James F. Rappa

Aunt Phyllis and Family, Our Hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead..........Uncle Jim was a good Uncle all the trips to the lake with all the Rappa and Damico familys. We would always have some good food but you had to wait a half hour to go back in the water. Me and Jimmy would always try earlier, Uncle Jim would say, You better not go in that water or I will kick your blank!!!!! By the way the first time I wrote this they did not post it wrong words. When me and Rex came back to Meadville for 1975 Class reunion we went to Uncle Jim and Aunt Phyllis for a visit we had homemade pizza and talked about all the good ole days. I hugged him and Aunt Phyllis and told them I loved them. I am so sorry I never got to see my Uncle again. I have something Uncle Jim sent to me back in 1995 when the STEELERS went to the Super Bowl. It is the full sports page from the Meadville Tribune in color it says "OH I GOT THE FEELIN PITTSBURGHS GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL" I have it framed in my STEELERS room and will cherish it forever..........I love you Uncle Jim give dad a hug for me in heaven.......Aunt Phyllis, Sammy, Kathy and Jimmy I love you and miss you....Your Cuz Marty......Cindy,Sonny and Mandy

Cathy and I will always remember Jim as the one who always stood up and greeted all the dancers with big hugs. He was the initiator of hugs.

All our prayers, love and hugs to Phyllis and the family.

Cathy and Tony Pero

One of my first memories of Uncle Jim was in Meadville when I was 9, I walked into the basement of the YMCA and saw him and his friends lifting weights. I new then that I wanted to lift weights and be in shape like him.
Aunt Phyllis, Blessings to you and my cousins during this sad time. I love you!

Dear Aunt Phyllis and Family,

I will always cherish the memories of my trips back home and staying with you and Uncle Jim along with the trips you both took to Arizona,Vegas,Florida and Memphis.

I am so thankful I was on some of those trips with you, we shared good times, laughs and tears.

I have two special pictures with my Uncle Jim and Godfather. One is when he baptised me and the other one with the three of us at my wedding.

May the memories comfort you during this difficult time.

Much love to you all.

Your Niece and cousin Dee Dee

Dear Phyliss and Family,

It has been three months since my beloved hubby left us and now my dear brother.

He went to be with Mom,Pop,Josie,
Frankie,Vita and Mike. They are all having fun dancing,hunting, fishing and of course golfing and exchanging recipes and disgusing who's is better.

I will always cherish and remember the many trips you made to Arizona,Vegas,Memphis,Florida and our trips to Meadville. It was always fun just being together with the family and remanising,eating,drinking,and laughing.

I know we will miss him terribly, but we know there is no more suffering because they are with the lord and someday we will be with them.

I am here for you Phyllis, much love to you and the kids.

I love and miss you much dear brother.

Your Sis Mary

Dearest Phyllis,

Jim will be greatly missed by all your friends from the Cow Shed and Fairway 12. You two were such a beautiful loving couple. Our prayer is that you will be comforted by God and by your wonderful memories.

Your dance friends,
Chuck and Judy

Jimmy, Sorry to here about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dearest Phil, kathy, Sammy and Jimmy,

In our family, my dear brother Jim was referred to as the "Gentle Giant". Never did we realize that he would depart from us so untimely.
We are sure that everyone feels that way. All of us were aware of his strong presence, personification, and unquestionable kindness as well. Even after learning of Jim's illness we felt that he that he would snap back and return to the family as we all remember him. Now, as our hearts go out to Phil, their children and grandchildren, we will pray extra hard for them in the hope they find it possible to adjust to this loss.

So fondly we remember when Jim and Phil spent part of the summer in Florida. This visit blessed us with unforgetable times of warmth, closeness and laughter. We always hoped for a repeat. But, the memories will have to do and we will treasure them forever.

From a spiritual aspect we try to pull comfort by assuming that Jim is embraced by his parents , his siblings and our son Benny who adored his Uncle Jim so much.

As for us, Jim, our "Gentle Giant" will be sadly missed but NEVER forgotten.

Your loving brother Ben, Rickie and family.

Nancy and I were saddened to learn of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

am in florida for grandsons wedding and am so sorry to hear of jimmys passing.please give our condolences to the family. paul and helga pontillo

To Aunt Phil & Family

How dishearten I was when I read the passing of Jim. I have been thinking and thinking about him and I am so very sorry for your loss. He was such a handsome man and of course his beautiful wife added so much! I loved to watch you both dance because you were such a lovely couple. You have plenty of memories to hold on to and I think that is what keeps us going. I love you Aunt Phil and you will all remain in my thoughts and prayers. To Sam, Jim and Kathy - I pray for you all too. Love, Shirley Costa Callan