John Frank Rappl

John Frank Rappl, age 94, from Raleigh, NC, died peacefully at home, in the care of his family, on October 6, 2023. He was born on December 10, 1928, in Buffalo, NY, where he lived before moving to North Carolina in 1997. John was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Mix Rappl; his parents, Joseph and Paula Rappl; his wife’s parents, Charles Wesley and Rachel Mix; his sister, Rose Brooke; and his grandson, John Castro-Rappl. He is survived by his children, Joseph Rappl (Nancy), Michael Rappl, Christopher Rappl (Maria Castro), John Rappl (Myra), David Rappl, Lawrence Rappl (Joseph Napierkowski), James Rappl, and Mary Bellanti; by Joanne York, Kelly Rappl, and Joseph Bellanti; by his grandchildren, Bryon Santschi, Brian Daboll, Christopher Castro-Rappl, Jessica Castro-Rappl, Samuel Rappl, Sara Rappl, Ana Bellanti, and Maddie Bellanti; and by his great-grandchildren, Mark Vogel, Christian Daboll, Aiden Vogel, Haven Daboll, Avery Daboll, and Luke Daboll. John Frank was known as Dad to his eight children and as Papa to his many grandchildren. He was the son of immigrants from Germany. He grew up in modest circumstances and became a skilled craftsman. John was a hard worker, but he also had a generous, playful spirit. He had a good sense of humor; his philosophy in life was that if something wasn’t exactly right, it could always be improved with a little ketchup. He enjoyed playing the piano and accordion. As a young man, John played in a band. Later in life, he and his best friend Ido would play boogie-woogie music at retirement homes. Some people would get up from their wheelchairs and dance; others would wake up and smile. John Frank was a light to many. He valued home, family, and faith, rising every morning at 4:30 to pray. His home was the gathering place for birthday and holiday celebrations, Masses, and memorial services. All of us witnessed the love he had for us, for his God, and for his late wife, Barbara. In his words, “marrying that gal” was the best decision he ever made. We will miss him but are glad that he is reunited at last with his lovely Barbara and with all family members who left this world before him. Visitation and Wake Service will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, between 9:00-10:00 a.m., at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, in Garner, NC. A funeral Mass will follow at St. Mary at 10:00 a.m. The inurnment will take place at St. Andrew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Apex, NC, immediately following the funeral. Remembrances and condolences may be left at www.wakefuneral.com.

John Frank Rappl

December 10, 1928 - October 6, 2023