Nicholas Rapuano

1921 - 2018

Rapuano, Nicholas
Nicholas Carmine Rapuano (Nicolo), 97 of North Haven, CT died on August 24, 2018 at the Smilow Cancer Center at the YNHH surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Teresa (Franco) Rapuano for nearly 73 years. Born on March 23, 1921, son of Pasquale and Dora (DeAngelis) Rapuano of New Haven and brother of the late Theresa (John) Tuccio of Ansonia, CT. Nick was raised in West Haven and then moved to New Haven. He was the beloved father to two loving daughters, Judith Wall (Robert) and Janet Rapuano (Jeremy Hammond), loving grandfather to Jennifer (Sean) Concannon, Nicole Hammond, Jeremy Hammond, Dorrie Hammond and cherished great-grandfather to Brynn, Reese and Nicholas Concannon. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and life-long friends.
A 1939 graduate of West Haven High School he attended Stones Business College, University of Connecticut Engineering Extension School, New Haven College and Eli Whitney Technical School. During World War II, he graduated from both Radio and Radar schools. He was assigned to the 417th Night Fighter Squadron of the Army Air Corps where he served as Chief Radar Mechanic, Night Fighter in charge of flight line operations. He served in Scotland, England, Africa, Corsica, France and Germany. Nick attained the rank of Technical Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star for "Superior Professional Skills and Steadfast Devotion". In December of 1990 he was awarded the Life Membership of the WWII Night Fighters for his outstanding dedication to and support of the WWII Night Fighters Organization. In August of 2008, Nick was recognized by the Office of the Secretary State of Connecticut for his "exemplary service and unwavering courage" during WWII. He was an Engine Dispatcher for the NYNH and Hartford Railroad and the General Manager of HF & M Tool Company, in New Haven. In 1966 he founded the Triangle Tool Co. Inc. a precision, proto-type machine shop in North Branford, CT where he owned and operated the company until the age of 81. Triangle Tool Co. sponsored many North Branford Little League teams. Much of his success was due to his work ethic, passion for the work, and his dedication to excellence. Nick was a lifetime member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and was very supportive of the organizations programs and scholarships.
He was a role model for many by inspiring others to be humble with integrity. Leisurely activities included doing crossword puzzles, playing golf and pinochle, being on a bowling team, traveling, reading, collecting stamps and spending time with his family and dear friends. He and his wife enjoyed over 50 years of membership at the Farms County Club in Wallingford and was a former member of the Knights of Columbus.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue on Tuesday morning at 9:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Barnabas Church at 10:00. Interment will follow with full military honors in St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven. The visiting hours will be Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the VITAS Hospice c/o VITAS Healthcare-Home Care Office, 199 Park Road Extension, Middlebury, CT 06782 www.vitas.com, Smilow Cancer Center-YNHH, Office of Development, Yale New Haven Hospital, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-9979giving@ynhh.org, American Cancer Society, 825 Brook Street, I-91 Tech Ctr. #3, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or the charity of your choice. Please sign guest book and leave a condolence for the family at www.northhavenfuneral.com