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BORN

1947

DIED

2026

FUNERAL HOME

Cremation Society of New Hampshire - Manchester

243 Hanover Street

Manchester, New Hampshire

UPCOMING SERVICE

Memorial Service

Apr. 25, 2026

11:00 a.m.

Salisbury Congregational Church

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David Rapalyea Obituary

David Rapalyea

Salisbury, NH - David Bourne Rapalyea, beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle passed away at his residence in Salisbury on February 11, 2026. David was born July 2, 1947 to Bergen B. and Florence B. Rapalyea in New York City, NY.

David earned a degree in Business Management and Economics from Franklin Pierce University in 1978. In 2008 he retired from Airport Operations at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

David is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years Dora Lucia Rapalyea, daughters Lucia Rapalyea Dowden (Jonathan), Johanna Rapalyea, and grandchildren Xavier Burke and Alana Mailhot. He was predeceased by his daughter Lisa Bourne Rapalyea.

David was a 40 year member of the Salisbury Congregational Church where he served on various committees through the years. He was an active member of the Salisbury Historical Society and he had also served as Selectman and Treasurer for the Town of Salisbury.

American History and historical homes were of great interest to him. He was very proud of his home that was built in 1760 and it is one of the oldest homes in Salisbury.

Traveling with Dora through the United States and Canada in their 5th wheel camper gave David great joy. He logged over 50,000 miles enjoying family and many camping experiences.

David will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David's memory can be given to the Franklin VNA (75 Chestnut St., Franklin, NH 03235), Salisbury Congregational Church (13 Franklin Rd., Salisbury, NH 03268), Salisbury Historical Society ( PO Box 263, Salisbury, NH 03268, or Salisbury Fire Department (273 Old Turnpike Road, Salisbury, NH 03268).

A memorial service will be held at Salisbury Congregational Church on April 25, 2026 at 11:00. A reception will follow at Salisbury Town Hall.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Concord Monitor on Feb. 17, 2026.

Memorial Events
for David Rapalyea

Apr

25

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Salisbury Congregational Church

13 Franklin Road, Salisbury, NH 03268

Funeral services provided by:

Cremation Society of New Hampshire - Manchester

243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH 03104

Memories and Condolences
for David Rapalyea

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Elizabeth George

February 25, 2026

I worked with David at MHT. He was a dedicated and well respected coworker. I left in 2008 also and let touch with him. My deepest condolences and prayers to his family and friends. He was very good person. Rest easy, David.

Elizabeth Halford

February 24, 2026

Condolences to the Rapalyea family and close friends. I was quite saddened to see this obituary of his passing. Mr. Rapalyea was a terrific dad, an amazing family man. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting him, his wife and his youngest daughter when I took horseback riding lessons from his daughter Lucia while she was still in high school. Such a beautiful down-to-earth family. Many heartfelt blessings. I'm so sorry.

Joanne Tramontozzi

February 21, 2026

Jerry and I will miss you greatly. In Christ´s love, Joanne & Jerry Tramontozzi

SG

February 17, 2026

David's enthusiasm for sharing and teaching Salisbury's rich history was genuinely inspiring, whether in his office or sitting at a picnic table at the society. He was a role model of historical accuracy, dedication, and his legacy will live on. His influence will be remembered forever, and he will be deeply missed.

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