Joseph F. Rappa, 81

Joseph F. Rappa, 81, of Franklin died August 14 at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester. He was the husband of Diane (Rowe) Rappa for the past 59 years.

Born in Milford, December 31, 1940, the son of the late Joseph and Philomena (Ficco ) Rappa, Mr. Rappa was a lifelong Franklin resident.

Joe was a graduate of Franklin High School and had worked as a Mechanical Engineer for the Raytheon Corporation for 42 years before retiring.

Joe loved to golf. After his retirement, he worked for many years as a ranger at the Heather Hill Country Club where he played frequently, made many friends and was especially proud of the three “Holes in One” he achieved. He also loved to play the course at his winter home at Zellwood Station in Florida. When he wasn’t golfing, he liked to take cruises with Diane and their friends.

Above all Joe enjoyed spending his time with his family, celebrating events, helping his siblings and children with countless home improvement projects over the years, and attending as many of his grandchildren’s school and athletic activities as possible. In younger years, he enjoyed taking the family camping, traveling across the country and around the east coast, especially the annual trip to Maple Park Campground in Wareham. He also loved hosting some epic annual July 4th cookouts, which included the entire extended family as well as many great friends and neighbors. They had neighborhood bands, bonfires, fireworks and lots of games, and made lifelong memories for all that attended.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Tracy Rappa of South Dartmouth MA and her partner Jeremy Lindsay and David Rappa and his wife Marcie of Franklin.

He is also survived by his sisters Joanne Sims of Franklin and Rosemary Guilbault of Holbrook. He was the brother of the late Robert Rappa.

Joe is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Mackenzie, Lindsey, Sydney, Kaitlyn and Dylan and his great-grandchildren, Vincent, Quinton and Ivy.

His funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 18 in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin at 6 p.m. Burial will be private.

Calling hours will be on Thursday from 4-6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Franklin Food Pantry , 43 West Central Street, Franklin , MA 02038.