John R. "Jack" Rapp Jr.
Marriages
Ruth S. (Anderson) Rapp - 1945
Obituaries
Steamboat Pilot - October 25, 2009
John R. "Jack" Rapp Jr., 89, husband of Ruth S. (Anderson) Rapp, of Rockport and Bonita Springs, Fla., died Oct. 20, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Rockport on March 20, 1920, son of the late John R. Rapp Sr. and Gertrude (Upham) Rapp.
Jack was a graduate of Rockport High School with the Class of 1938.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and after spending four years in Australia living in a tent, he and his family never went camping again.
After his service in the Army, he went to work for New England Telephone and Telegraph Co. for 37 years until his retirement at age 62. After retiring, he spent winters in Bonita Springs, Fla.
Jack was a longtime member of the Sandy Bay Yacht Club and had raced fish boats, I-boats and star boats. He also sailed turnabouts in Frost Bite series and ice boated.
His boats were recognizable by the name "Rapsody," and his wife, Ruth, had always served as his faithful crew.
He was a life member of the Edward Peterson Post 98 Rockport American Legion, and he proudly marched in the Memorial Day Parade every year.
Jack and Ruth were longtime avid golfers and members of the Rockport Country Club and the San Carlos Golf Club in Bonita Springs. He also was a member of the Lodge of Elks in Bonita Springs.
Jack loved to dance, swim and play golf with Ruth. He enjoyed skiing, playing with his grandchildren and passing on to them his love of music, dancing, sailing and skiing.
Jack had a wonderful retirement, full of life. He made many friends and loved any opportunity to play. No matter what was going on, he could lay his burdens down and enjoy the moment. He set a great example and will be sorely missed.
In addition to his wife of 64 years, Ruth, he is survived by his sons Steve Rapp and wife Paula, of Steamboat Springs, and William Rapp and wife Courtney, of Rockport; daughter Nancy Rapp, of San Diego; grandchildren Jessie Rapp, Corey Rapp and wife Tiffany, Rechele Jordow and husband Nikalas, Dan Rapp and wife Kristen, Jed Goldstein, Olivia Goldstein; and great-grandchildren Hannah and Nellie Jordow, Kaidin Rapp, Isabella Rapp, Jack Rapp and Evan Rapp.
His sister, Betty Rapp, died earlier.
A memorial service was held Oct. 22 in Rockport, Mass.
The burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the VNA Care Network, 5 Federal St., Danvers, MA 01923.
