Edward Kevin Rappaport, III's Obituary
Edward Kevin Rappaport, III
July 25, 1945 – August 27, 2019
Quietly enduring his illness, on August 27, 2019 at Haven Care Center, Gainesville, FL, Edward K. Rappaport entered into eternal rest. Edward Rappaport was born July 25, 1945 to the late Edward J. Rappaport and Anne Mae Rappaport. He was born and raised in Orange, New Jersey.
In 1980 Edward met the love of his life Erna and was united in Holy matrimony in 1981. He loved and cherished his children; family was very important to him.
Edward served his country in the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged in 1972. He graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in History and Psychology. He retired employment in 1999 as a Social Worker for the Division of Youth and Family Services in Newark, NJ; while there, he took great pride in his career and worked tirelessly to give children access to a better life. He spent most of his retirement volunteering his time at North Florida Regional Hospital, caring for his granddaughter and helping people in any way that he could.
Edward lived a good and full life. He loved spending time with his family, and he took his children everywhere. Together they explored the world traveling on family Vacations, crabbing, fishing, yard sales, antique shopping at thrift stores, turtle watching, hunting for golf balls, scaring our mother Erna with all kinds of animals and so much more. Some of his hobbies included stamp and coin collecting, art and paintings, antiques, writing, watching old movies, baseball, and spoiling his granddaughter Takia.
Preceded him in death his son Edward Rappaport and he leaves to cherish his memories: his brother John Rappaport, his best friends and confident Erna Cunningham, his beloved children Joseph Rappaport/Christine (Port Saint Lucie, FL), Krishna Cole/Fatima (Newark, DE), Keisha Cole (Irvington, NJ) and Christopher Rappaport/Cherrica (Alachua, FL). 12 grandchildren, Aaron, Sharina, Victoria, Caleb, Jocelyn, Ellen, Kashawn, Aaleah, Takia, Johsua, K. Jeremiah Seward, Jr., and Arieonna; his beloved dog Harley; and a host of other relatives, associates and friends.
Edward was dearly loved and will be greatly missed, but God loved him best and he is now safe in the Masters arms.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 11:00 A.M., in the Chapel of Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Downtown, 404 North Main Street, Gainesville. Interment services will follow at 2:30 P. M., in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell with military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
What’s your fondest memory of Edward?
What’s a lesson you learned from Edward?
Share a story where Edward's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edward you’ll never forget.
How did Edward make you smile?
