David Rappe

1939 - 2024

David Rappe
07/09/2024
David C. Rappe of Coventry, Connecticut died on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife, Bertha Clark Rappe and his children, Elizabeth Featherston (Ronald) of Rhode Island, Carl Rappe of Cape Cod and Calista Williams of Florida. He leaves his grandchildren Amanda Sachs (Justin) of Massachusetts, Ronni Kenoian (Andrew) of Rhode Island, Brittney Lemieux (David) of Rhode Island, Brandon Featherston of North Carolina, Forest Rappe of Connecticut, Senior Airman Logan Williams and Ashton Williams of Florida. He also leaves his great-grandchildren Jacob Sachs, Mason Kenoian and Hunter Kenoian. He leaves his brother-in-law Thomas Litrenta and nieces Amy Shank (Erik) and Jodi Litrenta and a grandnephew, Lincoln Shank. David was predeceased by his parents, David E. and Emmaline C. (MacConnie) Rappe formerly of Naugatuck, Connecticut and his sister, Priscilla Litrenta of Massachusetts.
David graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1957, Springfield College in 1961 and the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1964. He was a partner in the law firm of Howard, Kohn, Sprague and FitzGerald. He moved to Coventry in 1966 and shortly thereafter established his solo law firm in the town of Coventry, where he practiced, until his retirement in December of 2017.
David was Probate Judge for the District of Coventry where he served for twenty-six years. He retired from the Coventry Probate Court when it was merged with the Mansfield Probate Court in January 1999.
David was active in positions and organizations in the Town of Coventry. He was a member of a citizens advisory committee when the Coventry Town Charter was adopted and a member of three Charter Revision Commissions. He served on the Insurance Advisory Board, the Planning and Zoning Commission and was attorney for the Town of Coventry. He was a member and president of the Coventry Historical Society and the Coventry Lions Club. He provided free legal services to both fire departments, the Coventry Student Loan Fund, local churches and the Nathan Hale Statute Committee.
Upon retirement David continued to reside in his home in Coventry and spent summers at his home in Eastham on Cape Cod.
His funeral will be private. There will be no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to Uriel Lodge 24AF & AM, PO Box 465, Willimantic, CT 06226; Second Congregational Church of Coventry, 1746 Boston Turnpike, Coventry, CT 06238 or a charity of the donor's choice.