Lawrence John Rapple

Dearly-loved Lawrence John Rapple, 74, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona after a long and courageous battle against the after-effects of surgery for esophageal cancer. He was born on April 15, 1939 in his grandmother's house in Phoenix, New York to Frederick W. Rapple Sr. and Lorraine Rapple (Castle). He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Patricia Rapple, his son Matthew Punches and daughter-in-law Dorothy, granddaughters Jordan DiBernardo and Alexandra, Danielle, and Samantha Thrower, twin great granddaughters Ella and Layla Kiyama, brother Frederick Rapple Jr. and sister-in-law Sharon, and several nieces and nephews and their families.

Larry attended Clarkson University and Hobart College, and received his Master's Degree in education at Syracuse University. He taught high school English for several years and then followed his love for photography, working for a design studio in Liverpool, New York as a studio and industrial photographer. He also designed and produced Multi Image presentations for Corning Glass, IBM, and Miller Brewery.

A past member of the International Brotherhood Of Magicians, Larry collected rare and first edition books by Twain, Frost, Steinbeck, and Elliot. He was an enthusiastic audiophile and vinyl record collector and enjoyed his large library of classical music. He had a love for 18th century American furniture, and also collected antique and vintage cameras. Larry and Pat loved their New England antiquing trips and had many adventures. They moved from New York to Mesa, Arizona in 2000, and worked for over 10 years at an RV resort before retiring to the Arizona high country in Payson in 2012.

A gentle, compassionate, and loving man with a wonderful sense of humor, Larry's memory will shine in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. A private family service is being planned, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in his name.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeshore Mortuary in Mesa, Arizona.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call (480) 838-5639.