Dr. Alfred Rappaport

Alfred Rappaport Obituary

RAPPAPORT--Dr. Alfred, beloved husband of Patricia, beloved father of Paul and Jennifer, loved father-in-law of Susan and Peter, adored grandfather of Jake, Riley, and Sophia, died at age 80 on April 30th, 2008. Dr. Rappaport was an optometrist who practiced and pioneered visual training for children, and made significant differences in the lives of his patients. He was active in many educational organizations, and served as President of the Nassau County Optometric Association. He was also an Associate Clinical Professor of Visual Training at the SUNY College of Optometry. All who had the privilege of knowing him were touched and enriched by his graciousness and warmth. He was deeply admired for his intelligence, sense of humor, story telling, and charm. He was a true gentleman. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten by family, friends, patients, and his beloved dogs.

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Published by New York Times on May 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Alfred Rappaport

8 Entries

Samantha R. Vamos

June 17, 2008

As I visualize Dr. Rappaport in my mind, I unconsciously smile. I see his twinkling eyes and I immediately remember the sense of merriment I felt whenever I saw him. It seemed to me that he loved to share a laugh with his daughter and her friends and that was a unique treat. I have always felt blessed to know Dr. and Mrs. Rappaport and consider it my great fortune that Jennifer chose to go to Georgetown so that we had the chance to meet and become life-long friends. Dr. Rappaport's pride in Jennifer and Paul (and his family altogether) was always evident. It was always a pleasure to see and be with him. I always enjoyed visits with Jennifer's parents. I will never forget going on a New Year's cruise with Jennifer and her parents. Jennifer and I laughed so much that evening and Dr. Rappaport was almost a comrade in arms, joking about the dismal prospects aboard the boat that night. I have some wonderful photographs from that evening and when our boxes are finally out of storage, I'll see if I can duplicate them, Jennifer. Your parents were always generous in every way to me and their greatest gift was their love, respect and kindness. Greg thought your father was wonderful and enjoyed seeing him at the surprise birthday party Peter held in New York. I am very sad that your father is gone. I regret that Jackson did not have the opportunity to meet your father. I will tell Jackson about your father, and I will remind him again when I someday torture Jackson with pictures from our "glorious" youth, Jennifer! More seriously, I am so happy that your father knew and loved Sophia and that you will always have the memories of them together. I am sure that you gave him a great sense of peace, love and completion when you had Sophia. I will remember your father's spirit and that will always make me smile. With love, Samantha

DIANE STERN

May 13, 2008

Dear Patti,

The Rappaport Family from Belle Harbor were close and intimate friends and card playing partners to my parents, Helene and Seymour Kingsley. Bunny, Al and I grew up together. We were kids playing in the streets. "Aunt Betty" and "Uncle Will" were part of our extended family. With Al gone, an era in my life has also gone. The memories will always linger.

With deepest sympathy on the loss of a soul mate,
Diane Kingsley Stern

Myrna Irwin

May 6, 2008

Dear Patti,
You probably do not remember me or the Sonn Family. I received word of Al's passing from my brother in NY. I was sad to hear this news. I grew up next door to Al, "Aunt Betty and Uncle Will" in Belle Harbor. I moved to Florida with my Husband an children in 1969 but kept in touch with Bunny and Lew until their deaths and was apprised of all of Al's accomplishments. I want you to know that our condolences are sent to you with fond memories of one heck of a great person!
Sincerely,
Myrna Sonn Irwin

Al with Jamie

meridith manlowe

May 4, 2008

At the service this afternoon I was so very touched by the stories told by the people that knew Al. I was especially moved by words of his patients. I am Al's neice and knew him in a different aspect of his life. I feel very lucky to know what a special man, doctor, mentor and father that he was. Thank you to all those people who came today and to those that shared those wonderful stories.
All my love to Aunt Patty, Jen and Paul.
Meri

Jodi Baum

May 3, 2008

"Gorgeous!" That's what Dr. Rappaport always said when he looked inside of my eyes with that little light! When I was 8 years old he said it, and when I was 35 years old he said it. I truly loved going to the eye doctor because of him. My 5 year old son says that I should tell everyone that Dr. Rappaport played lots of fun games with him. He was a great man and I miss him.

Amy Bird

May 3, 2008

I started seeing Dr. Rappaport when I was only 7 years old and he helped get me through my schooling, grade school through law school. Although I moved to Maryland 10 years ago I always planned my trips to New York around visits to his office. At the age of 33 I feel his loss tremendously and am grateful for all he did for me and my family, most recently my 5 year old nephew.

A "gentleman" is more than an apt description. When you sat in his chair it was always a silly story, a happy smile, and you waited for his jokes and quips, which had become a signature routine of his treatment; you smiled every time.

My sincere condolences to his family; he spoke of you often and with such pride. When someone speaks of living your life to the fullest, they must have been speaking of Dr. Rappaport.

Cathy Gaudio

May 2, 2008

Dear Rappaport Family,

I would like to extend my deepest
sympathy. I was a patient of Dr. Rappaport for over 20 years. I would like to share my story with you. I was a freshman in college and having a tough time focusing on my studies. One of my professors had asked me if had my vision check. I told her I had my eyes checked so many times and I was always told my vision was fine. She advised me to make an appointment with Dr. Flax's and Dr. Rappaport's office. That would change my life forever I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Rappaport and had visual training for the next two years. I made it through college and would have my eyes checks yearly by Dr. Rappaport. He was always warm and so gracious. Today I am married with 4 beautiful children. Just last summer my 13 year old son was having a problem focusing. I new he needed to see Dr. Rappaport and once again He worked with my son for 30 sessions. Today he is doing fine. Dr. Rappaport was a unique person and I am truly honored to have known him.

Sincerely yours.

Cathy Gaudio

Mary Jane Whalen

May 2, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. I feel truly blessed to have known Dr. Rappaport. He was a kind, giving gentleman, the kind of person you never forget. He helped me when I was a child and helped my children as well. Thank you for sharing him with us. He will be missed.
With warmest regards,
Mary Jane

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