David Carl Rapoza

David Carl Rapoza, aka "Smokey Rappa," of Union City, Pa., died on Tuesday, July 29, 2014, after a long illness. David was born in Acushnet, Massachusetts, on November 5, 1944. He lived in New Bedford, Massachusetts for most of his life.

He lived in California in the 1960s, where he sold his paintings on the street corner, and met several famous actors. He moved to Erie, Pa. in the 1970s, where he worked for General Electric, as a welder. He moved to Union City, Pa. in 1994, after a severe accident, to be cared for by his wife Pam.

David was a phenomenal artist, who went to Swain School of Design in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He was an avid pool player and played with Minnesota Fats in California. He loved motorcycles. He spent several years as a fisherman, on the ship "The Star," in New Bedford Massachusetts.

David was preceded in death by his mother Angelina Ponte, stepfather Dom Ponte, father John Jesus Rapoza, stepmother Jeannette Rapoza, sisters Delores, Arlene, and Linda, brother John Jesus Rapoza, and nephews Jimmy and Ernie.

Survivors include his wife of 19 years Pam, and his son Daniel Jesus Rapoza, both of Union City, Pa., daughters Stacey and Jennifer, son David of Erie, Pa., sister Mary and brother-in-law Richard Whiteman of St. Petersburg, Florida, brothers Anthony Ponte of St. Petersburg, Florida, Tom Rapoza of Connecticut, several grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by good friends John and Nancy Spadacene of Erie, Pa.

Friends are invited to call at the Robert M. Glenn Funeral Home, Inc., 62 South Main Street, Union City, Pa., on Thursday, July 31, 2014 from 7-9 p.m., and to attend funeral services there on Friday, August 1, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Blair Blakeslee officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Union City, Pa.

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