Steven R. Rapalee

1954 - 2022

Steven R. Rapalee

Williamsburg, MA — Steve Rapalee, age 67, formerly of Williamsburg, MA, died of complications from Parkinson's disease in Plantation, Florida, on May 31, 2022. He was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to Katherine and Robert Rapalee.

Steve - "Raps" to his friends - attended Williamsburg High School and Hampshire Regional High School. He was a star basketball player, graduating in 1973 with the school career record in both scoring and rebounding. He had several careers, including construction laborer, handyman, bartender, and optician with his own shop in Williamsburg.

In 2003, Steve moved West and eventually settled in Big Fork, Montana. In 2019, Steve became ill. Sister Amy and brother Brian cared for him until his death. Special thanks to lifelong friends Deac Tiley and Chuck Kirby for their care of Steve.

Steve is survived by daughters Hannah Rothhaar (Sam) of Norwell MA and Kayla Richards (Brian) of Kingston MA; sisters Gloria Rapalee of North Duxbury VT and Amy Rapalee (Tim Daggett) of Plantation FL; brothers Brian Rapalee (Amy Stephson) of Seattle WA and Bill Rapalee (Jeanne) of Remsen NY. He is also survived by four grandchildren, two nieces, and a nephew.

Steve was a free spirit and an independent soul. He was a dare-devil - with crazy stories to prove it. His family always said he had nine lives, and he lived them to the fullest. He died much too young and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Steve will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at the Beaver Brook Golf Course club house pavilion in Haydenville, MA. Bring photos, memories, stories, and offer a toast to Steve.

Condolences and memories may be posted on the Legacy website through T. M. Ralph Funeral Homes at tmralph.com.