"Mr. Rappa was the best teacher, gave me a life-long love of history, especially American history. I was also a babysitter for him and (way back when) typed his history tests. He was such a positive influence in my life. God Bless him, may he rest is peace. And may his memory be a blessing. Stephanie DeMayo Golia"
In loving memory of
Anthony J. Rappa
August 18, 1938 - March 23, 2023
Anthony John Rappa, age 84, passed away on March 23 after a brief illness.
Tony was a lifelong student of many things: history, gardening, pool chemical levels, lawn maintenance, body surfing waves at the Jersey shore, goofy Halloween costumes, and negotiating great deals at Berlin Farmers Market. But one thing Tony never needed any lessons on was how to love unconditionally. In this discipline, Tony was a master teacher; and his lifelong devotion to his family, particularly his wife of 62 years, Grace Rappa, is a model on how to love fiercely, unconditionally, and generously.
Born in Swedesboro, New Jersey, to Lena and Daniel Rappa, Tony graduated from Glassboro State University with a bachelor's degree in history and was later awarded a master's degree in history from Villanova in 1985. Those degrees were put to extraordinary use as a Triton High School history teacher for 40 years. To characterize Tony as a star teacher is an understatement. History came alive in his classroom whenever he came into school dressed up as a historical figure or challenged students to think about history as a living art through his master story-telling skills.
Tony's talents as an educator were recognized in all kinds of ways throughout his 40-year career. He won many prestige teaching awards, was a sought-after advisor to students outside the classroom as the Student Council President and a local softball coach; and he led the community as the Director of Triton's Adult Evening School. Tony's love for his students was deep: they were treated as extended family members and were regularly invited over his house to conduct many student affairs meetings.
In retirement, Tony remained a pillar of the community. He served as President of the Men's Club at St. Teresa's Parish for over a decade, organizing scores of charitable endeavors including donut Sunday for the parishioners, trips to Atlantic City to benefit the parish, and carnival activities purposed to raise money for the church.
Although Tony dedicated his professional life to telling the stories of history to future generations, the greatest story he ever told was the love story he crafted with his devoted wife, Grace Rappa. The two met together playing in the Atlantic waves at age 12. By 18 they were dating and by 22 their love story was solemnized into a marriage. For the next 62 years their love story grew to the greatest of heights.
Words can barely capture the force of Tony and Grace's devotion to each other. Their love is the type of love that one only encounters in the greatest works of literature and in the annals of history. No matter where one of them was, the other followed. Together, Tony and Grace built a rich life dedicated to the finest thing in life: family. Tony and Grace raised four children: Paulette Rappa, Stephen Rappa, Brian Rappa, and Andrea Rappa-Cline. All four children survive Tony and continue his legacy of devotion to family and community.
After his children were grown, Tony and Grace's love story grew eight-fold when they were blessed with eight grandchildren. From his first born, Paulette, Tony became the world's greatest grandfather to Constance Grace de Uriarte, Abigail Rose de Uriarte, Jared Rappa de Uriarte and Aaron Anthony Rappa Doll. From his youngest Andrea, Tony was blessed with four new grandchildren: Julia Cline, Jack Cline, Genevieve Cline and Jacob Cline. All eight grandchildren survive Tony.
While Tony left to be with the Lord, his love story with Grace is still being written through her; through his four children; through his eight grandchildren; through his beloved pup, Maggie; and through his many good works in life, which impacted so many. His memory is a blessing and gift to all.
There will be a viewing Monday evening from 6pm to 8pm and Tuesday morning 9:30am to 10:30am at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral mass 11am at Holy Child Parish, St Teresa RC Church. Entombment St. Joseph's Mausoleum.
Tributes
"Tony was one of a kind. A privledge to know and work with. Rest in peace."
""Who were your top favorite high school teachers?" We've all played that game. For me the answer is simple. I was so lucky to have Mr. Rappa for at least three classes at Triton High School between 1972 and 1976. . He was challenging, full of interesting stories and made history fun. I'd never heard the tale of the death of 1812 War Hero Zebulon Pike until Mr. Rappa told it in class. The story wasn't in our textbook but Mr. Rappa made sure we heard it and remembered it. (Go look it up but the telling won't live up to Mr. Rappa's version.) Mr. Rappa was part political analyst and part strategist and it was great hearing his take on everything from Watergate to presidential elections to School Board races. He was a good listener and had a way of cocking his head to show you'd either figured something out for yourself or you were nowhere close. I wrote for the school paper for two years and sometimes took stories to him to test his reaction. I could trust his opinion. About fifteen years after I graduated, he was still teaching history. My niece was in his class and he invited me back to his second floor classroom to talk about my experiences as a TV reporter. I showed class a collection of my stories. Mr, Rappa was so excited and pleased. I told him he was one of the teachers who made my career possible. My sincere condolences to his family and my thanks that they shared him with generations of students."
"Mr Rappa was one of the best teachers I ever had the privilege of learning from. He brought a humor to the classroom that made a teenager actually look forward to being in his class first thing in the morning. Friends and I still recall his classes happily. Awesome dude, all around. "
"He was a good teacher. I'll always remember him."
"To the Rappa family: Please accept my sincere condolences during this very difficult time. I attended Triton High School from 1976-1980, and graduated with Paulette Rappa. Mr. Rappa was a wonderful man and teacher! When he became the Director of Triton's Adult Evening School, he recruited me to teach Microsoft Word and Excel. It was an awesome experience and an absolute pleasure, knowing I was giving back to the community. May Mr. Rappa rest in peace. God Bless this wonderful man. Professor Sandra Young, MS, Class of 1980"
"I had the privilege of working with Tony for seventeen years as Vice Principal of Triton.He was always a gentleman, an excellent teacher, and great role model for students.His dedication and influence at Triton were truly outstanding!"
"So sorry for your loss. RIP Mr Rappa. "
"Mr. Rappa retired when I was a junior & I remember being so upset he wouldn?t be a part of my senior year. He was a wonderful man - had such a positive effect on every student he knew. I?ve thought of him many times over the years and I?m so sorry to hear of his passing. Sending my condolences to his family. Lindsay D?Angelo (class of 2001)"
"RIP Mr. Rappa. One of the few teachers I remember and speak of fondly even today. The antics of your class were the stuff of legends. You were an excellent teacher and wonderful person to your students. I am glad I got a chance in time to meet you. -Tara Shenton (Wiese) Class of 1992."
"My condolences to Mrs. Rappa and Family. Mr. Rappa was such a gifted teacher and I remember him fondly as our Class Advisor, always willing to guide us. I also remember babysitting for your children, you all dressed up and happy to be having a ?date.? With appreciation for a life well spent. Patricia Callahan Jillard, Class of 1967"
"Prayers & Condolences to the Rappa Family "
"Mr Rappa was one of my favorite teachers. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to the Rappa family. Dot Perkins Biscardi-class of 1978"
"Our deepest sympathy to the Rappa family. Mr. Rappa was such a great guy, giving and taking funny jabs with everyone. He put up with me in high school and recruited me to teach at the night school. We will miss seeing him at the ST. Teresa's carnival and around town. Scott Purdy and Marilyn DiGiacobbe-Purdy. Classes of 1975 and 1981."
"Mr Rappa?s never ending big smile is a warm memory embedded in my mind forever!!! So sorry for your loss here on earth. l?m sure we will be with him in the eternal home forever for he was a good man of God who believed in the shed blood of Jesus his Lord!!!! RIP Mr Rappa "
"Great teacher, a wonderful, kind man! Dan Bada class of ?71"
"My deepest sympathy to Mr. Rappa's family. Mr Rappa was the greatest teacher!!!! I actually became a high school history in my first career due to his influence. He was a tremendous motivator and also instilled leadership values in me. He always made his points in a creative way. He made history exciting and also made his students feel their duty to be good citizens. He was a tremendous man and incredible mentor. Thanks Mr.Rappa you were an extemely large part in any success I have had in life "
"I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family "
"Rip Mr.Rappa you were a excellent teacher my condolences to the Rappa Family"
"Condolences to the family. Mr. Rappa was a GREAT teacher. Many students still remember his days at Triton High School. He was a Glassboro State college alumni like me. I was thankful for his kindness. May he rest in peace."