Frederick "Fred" William Rapple, Jr.'s Obituary
Frederick “Fred” William Rapple, Jr. 88, of Liverpool, NY, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Fred was born on February 2, 1936, in Syracuse, NY to the late Frederick W. Rapple Sr. and Lorraine M. Rapple (Castle). He was preceded in death by younger brother Lawrence Rapple.
Fred graduated from North Syracuse High School in 1954. He then attended State University Teachers College at Oswego where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959, majoring in Industrial Arts Education. In 1964, Fred earned his Master of Science in Education. He was a brother of Sigma Tau Chi fraternity where he forged many lifelong friendships. After graduation, Fred taught Industrial Arts for 31 years at West Genesee High School in Camillus, NY until his retirement in 1991. Even in retirement Fred was a teacher through and through - everything was a lesson.
A lover of all things cars; Fred could sniff out a car show, no matter how small. He had the ability to interact with people and would strike up a conversation just about anywhere, with anyone. Fred was a talented and skilled woodworker who loved building just about anything. He was always tinkering with some type of project in his woodshop, crafting everything from detailed furniture to helping his kids with their school projects. When his children were young, they took many camping trips throughout the Northeast. The real adventure began in 1973, when the family purchased 59 acres of land in Lacona, NY. Fred’s lifelong dream of building a summer retirement home was finally becoming a reality.
Fred loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He is survived by wife Sharon Rapple (Kaiser) of Liverpool; predeceased by his first wife Janet Rapple (Dier); their surviving children Rick Rapple (Lisa), Elizabeth Rapple, David Rapple (Lisa); step-children Dawn Szatanek (Rob), Robert Coon, and Kimberly Sorts (Jeff); 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Family and friends may call on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 9:30 - 11:30 am, followed by
a Funeral Service in celebration of Fred’s life at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd, (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. A private burial will be scheduled at a later date at the convenience of his family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Fred’s memory to the American Heart Association, The Glaucoma Foundation, or the ASPCA.
What’s your fondest memory of Frederick?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frederick?
Share a story where Frederick's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frederick you’ll never forget.
How did Frederick make you smile?