Russell P. Rapoza

Russell P. Rapoza of Plymouth died Nov. 9, in Tufts Medical Center in Boston. He was the beloved husband of Maureen A. (Kelly) Rapoza; loving father of Russell Rapoza Jr. of Weymouth, Kelly Rapoza of Quincy, Kelly Bacon of North Attleboro, Nancy Bauer of Mendon, Susan Meomartino of Amesbury and Katie Meomartino of Plymouth; beloved brother of Linda McAlduff of Plymouth; uncle of Kenneth Renaud II of Plymouth. Also survived by 10 grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Russell was born in Plymouth, Aug. 19, 1951, a son of the late Joseph and Janice (Barrett) Rapoza. Russell was an accomplished pianist, talented composer and musical director. Mr. Rapoza grew up in North Plymouth and was educated in the Plymouth Public Schools until grade seven. At that time he attended Sacred Heart Junior Senior High School in Kingston, where he excelled in the musical programs. In 1965, as a freshman, Russell was the recipient of the Plymouth Philharmonic Scholarship, and continued to study piano under the tutelage of the Sisters of Divine Providence. After achieving many musical milestones during high school, Mr. Rapoza graduated in 1969. Russell studied classical music at Boston Conservatory during the early 1970s, and graduated with a double-major in piano and music education. Mr. Rapoza started playing the piano at the age of 5, and began studying formally at 6 years old. By the time he was in junior high, Russell was the organist at St. Marys Church in North Plymouth, and formed a band of his peers to entertain audiences in local restaurants, and for the annual Holy Ghost Fiesta celebrations. Russell was very proud of this Portuguese heritage. Mr. Rapoza continued in the entertainment business, created and played in a variety of successful, commercial bands, and started his own entertainment agency that supplied function facilities, corporate venues, hotels and restaurants with a variety of singers, musical bands, and comedic acts. During the same time period, Mr. Rapoza also continued his liturgical musical career through the Archdiocese of Boston. He became music director for different parishes, including St. Colemans in Brockton, St. Edwards in Medfield, and currently was directing the musical programs at Resurrection Church in Hingham. Russell composed original liturgical songs for a variety of musical instruments, and created arrangements for the choirs and soloists. Mr. Rapoza also taught private music lessons at each parish, opened the Russ Rapoza Studio for the Performing Arts in Walpole, and was currently teaching piano at his recently opened Plymouth Piano Academy at the Plymouth Center for the Arts on North Street. Russell was proud to be implementing a full instrument program, including vocals, at the Plymouth Piano Academy, as well as, be a part of the performing arts and arts community in his hometown of Plymouth. Mr. Rapoza was an inspiration to his students and his musical peers, friends. And loved ones and will be missed by all. Funeral Mass Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Church of the Resurrection, Rte. 228, in Hingham. Visiting hours in the Cartmell Funeral Home, 150 Court St., Plymouth, Monday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Burial in Vine Hills Cemetery, Plymouth. Donations in memory of Mr. Rapoza can be made to the Plymouth Philharmonic Scholarship Program and the Sisters of Divine Providence at Sacred Heart School. For more info and online guest book, visit www.cartmellfuneralhome.com.