Thomas F. Rapoza

Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, Veteran, World Traveler, Raconteur, Salesman, Ichiban, and Bon Vivant, Tom lived a life that could not possibly be contained by the bounds of an obituary.

Born April 23, 1934, in Fall River, MA, to Dorothy and Frank Rapoza and raised in the Flint, Tom was proud of his hard-scrabble beginnings. While living in a tenement on Flint St., he shined shoes for sailors at the Narragansett Café and was the one-time holder of the longest Herald News paper route in the city (244 papers!). He was also a friend to a rotating cast of characters who colored hundreds of stories from his childhood and was a longtime member of the St. Michael’s Club.

Intent on building a better life, Tom was a first-generation high school and college graduate from B.M.C. Durfee High School and Bradford Durfee College of Technology, respectively. He also served as an infantryman in the Korean War, and later spent time stationed in Berlin. Tales of his exploits overseas were legion and legendary.

Tom wore many hats in his work life, including a spell as the owner of the Benefit Street Pub, known to close the night by standing on the bar and singing his personal anthem, Sinatra’s version of “My Way.” Later, Tom truly excelled as a pharmaceutical salesman. As the six-time winner of AstraZeneca’s award for top salesman, if asked, he would quickly inform you that he won so many times that the company had to devise new prizes. Despite all his success, his favorite job was being dad to his daughter, Dawn, whom he considered his best friend.

He was fond of the John Greenleaf Whittier quote, “For all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: ‘it might have been!” and with that spirit, he left few stones unturned in his ninety-one years. He seized every opportunity to see the world, visiting 48 states and over 36 countries. He loved a martini (Grey Goose, straight up, three olives, preferably stuffed with parmesan cheese), tall tales, singing along loudly, Ted Williams, pastel pants, John Grisham novels, John F. Kennedy, an A-Frame home (the most sensual house shape), large Portuguese meals, a full carafe of red wine, and most of all, his family.

Tom is survived by his loving daughter, Dawn Mercer and her husband, Tim of Somerset; brother Frank Rapoza of Fall River; Partner, Cora Wheeler of Port St. Lucie; five grandchildren: Zac Mercer of Providence, MacKenzie Bourque and her husband Brad of Plymouth; Max Mercer of Swansea; Chase Mercer of Plainville; Cooper Mercer of Somerset; and great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Bourque.

They will all think of him fondly upon every martini raised, story told, adventure taken, hearty laugh, and utterance of the phrase “never ever.”

A true original, through absolutely all of it, he stood tall and did it his way.

His Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River. Burial will be private.