Edward J. Rapoza

Edward J. Rapoza, 89, of Naples, FL, previously, Lavallette, NJ passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025 surrounded by his loving wife and family. Ed was born January 20th, 1936 in Jersey City, NJ to his late parents of Eva and Emanuel Rapoza.

Originally from Lyndhurst NJ, he graduated with honors from Lyndhurst High School, where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Grant. He graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate degree, top ten in his class. He went on to obtain a Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.

His many accomplishments include being an Eagle Scout with 2 Palms, elected to the Order of the Arrow, honorary society. He was a Program Manager at Kearfott Aerospace Division, where he helped create a part for the Lunar Module that landed on the moon July 20, 1969; which to this day hangs in the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. He later became President of Clay Adams, a division of Becton Dickinson. He rounded out his career as President and Owner of Balo Precision Parts.

Ed moved his family in the early 1960's to High Crest Lake (HCL) in NJ where they raised their four children. During their 50+ years at HCL, he lent his energy, expertise and intelligence guiding a number of projects that improved the community. During their residence, he and a group of neighbors worked to purchase the lake and land from the town for sustainability and the addition of a newly built clubhouse. This labor of love ultimately took 25 years.

Ed is a man who loved his family, his church, his work and his friends. He was a man who made a positive mark on all he touched. He loved the outdoors and being active with his family. He enjoyed leading countless pursuits including sailing, swimming and skiing during the multiple family, fun-filled adventures. He also enjoyed regularly playing tennis and bowling with close friends. Some may remember him with a Bullhorn directing many of these exciting outings. His Grandchildren and their friends will remember Ed leading innovative crab-racing tournaments and night fishing expeditions. He and Pat concocted numerous challenging Road Rallies that showcased his wit and penchant for challenging, thought-provoking fun and games.

Ed is survived by his devoted wife, Pat of 65 years, and his four loving children: daughters Andrea and husband Steve Pellington of Wildwood Crest, NJ, Tracy and husband Ron Fulton of Naples, FL, sons Scot Rapoza of Brick, NJ; and, Craig and wife Liz Rapoza of Long Beach, CA. His legacy also includes nine grandchildren: Tracy Jan, Grant, Kyle, Megan, Valerie, Nolan, Jessie, Jason and Jake; and great-granddaughter Scottie Mae. He is also survived by his twin brother Thomas and wife Judy Rapoza. He will be missed by many nephews, nieces, cousins, neighbors and friends.

Services, Burial and Repast will be held on June 7, 2025 at 11 AM at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108, 239-597-3101. Friends and family may gather starting at 10:30 AM.

Please RSVP to: Tracy Fulton

415-305-3377

[email protected]

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Alzheimer’s Association (donorservices.alz.org).

A gathering of family and friends for Edward will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Hodges Funeral Home At Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave N, Naples, Florida 34108, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.