Gus Gus Rapone

Gus left home at an early age to join the U.S. Army Air Corps, later the U.S. Air Force. In World War II, he served as a bombardier, stationed in the Philippines, and during the Korean War he spent 18 months on active duty, ending his military career as a major.

While stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in 1944, Gus met and married Richardine Berry who preceded him in death in 1990, after 45 years of marriage.

We were blessed in 1992 when Gus married Helen Crowley. They had a 20-year marriage, devoted to each other.

In 1953, a business partnership was formed. Gus Rapone, Kitty Rodman and William Koerwitz opened Sierra Construction Corporation, and later a second company, RKR Construction, was formed. Hotels and large commercial projects were their specialty. This was a partnership that lasted five decades.

Gus was preceded in death by his parents, Mauro and Serafina; wife, Ritchie; son, Russell; brother, Anthony; sister Frances; and great-granddaughter, Sarah Clawson.

Gus is survived by his wife, Helen; daughter, Nancy (Ron); sons, Anthony, Richard (Eileen) and Robert; 10 grandchildren, Janeen Davila (Leonard), Blake Clawson (Tammy), Lisabeth Couturier (Darren), Melissa Kim (Sekeol), Kimberly Blanchard (Jesse), Maria Collins (Christafer), Robert Rapone, Brittany Rapone, Rachel Rapone, and Lindsey Rapone.

11 Great-grandchildren, Chris and Bryan Davila, Gabrielle and Blake Clawson, Katelyn Couturier, Derrick and Bethany Rose Kim , Jarrod, Jordyn, Kayleigh and Egan Mueller.

Great granddaughter, Kylee Davila.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 15, at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.