Full of life and full of music!  A special friend from the soundtrack of my college years.  May his memory be a blessing!  mary starn

I met Rich during my college years and the wonderful/tumultuous years of the late 60's early 70's.  What I remember most of all was his joy for life and his love of music!

After many years I still treasure those times we shared in St. Louis and a summer in Chicago and his friendship.  He played at my wedding in the summer of 1973.  Then we lost touch.

During this pandemic year I have reconnected with several old friends.  I was saddened to learn that Rich had passed away.  But the world was a better place for his being here!  His music surely lives on.  I thank God that Rich was a part of my life!

Mr. Wappel was my piano teacher for about a year some time ago. His style of teaching was amazing, as the many facts he would tell me about a piece's history would reinforce my confidence in my ability to play it. I remember distinctly when I started playing the Venetian Boat Song, and Mr. Wappel told me all about the culture of Venice and its many waterways.

May the God of all comfort strengthen the entire family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. (Psalms 116:15) My sincerest condolence.

Tom, Amanda, and Iris, we were so sad to learn of the passing of Tom's very, very talented brother. We are all thinking of you, and looking forward to seeing you again soon. Your Denali family.

I remember Rich as a classmate at St Basils in Chicago.  We even sang together in the boys choir in 6th -8th grade.  He was a nice guy and its great to  hear about his life in producing church music.  condolences to his brother and family.  He will be missed but not forgotten.

I will be forever grateful for knowing Rich through his music. It was an honor to sing through his works as he developed and wrote them and to sing and record his finished works with him. He touched so many through his music. I loved his smile and his kindness to everyone he met. Thank you for your gift of music Rich. We will remember you always, especially when we sing your beautiful sacred music.

With Sincere Condolences to the family.

I am forever grateful my path in life led me to a wonderful friendship with Rich.  His knowledge and talent in music, combined with his humility and kindness I recognized right away as a rare and beautiful combination.  At first I just listened as he taught my son, and then I determined that there was so much I could learn from his approach to music.   Time spent studying music with Rich changed my relationship with music, opened my mind, and brought me so much joy.  He also brought a lot of joy to my two children who were his students.  He had a special knack with children and always tried to be fun and engaging while helping them learn and feel valued.  Rich was an amazing musician and teacher, but even more than that he was a beautiful person.  His appreciation and love of the little things, his fortitude, and his generosity are inspiring.  I feel a great sense of loss and for me also there is no one who could ever take his place in my heart.  Deepest sympathies to his family at this time.

I'll never forget sitting in choir with him as we sang the first drafts of his compositions. Once a score was finished, he conducted us for a demo tape.  It was fascinating.  I went to a music store and bought a copy and he autographed it.  I'm sure he'll be famous when enough people discover his music

Sincerest sympathy to all Rich's family. He was such a talented composer and musician. His published hymns and orchestrations are beautiful as significantly marked by a "Panis Angelicus" he composed for the Cathedral Basilica choir to sing for Pope John Paul II's visit to St. Louis, one of many pieces he composed as Composer in Residence at the St. Louis Cathedral. His music was his life. He formed the Rich Wappel Trio, which  included members of the St. Louis Symphony. The trio played his music at many churches and venues. Teaching music was also a passion, having taught piano, guitar, violin, flute, clarinet to name a few. I so value the time I had as a student, learning so much in a short time. His presence will be missed by friends, students and the music community; but he left a beautiful legacy in the music he composed.
Colleague and Student

Richard will always be in my heart and thoughts for there is no one who can ever take his place. I am grateful for every memory of him: for his generosity, his humour, his art, and the countless delights he found in every day. Grateful, too, for the legacy of his talent that he left to us all. Sharing your sorrow and praying for your comfort.

My deepest sympathy at the passing of your brother, Rich. I knew him when I was stationed in St. Louis and sang with him in the Cathedral Choir. He was kind, a gentleman, and a wonderful musician. May the angles sing him to heaven! I will say Mass for him. Fr. Jordan Kelly, OP

OBITUARY

Richard John Wappel

24 January, 1951 – 8 May, 2016

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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