Jerome Rapkin

CAPT Jerome Rapkin, USN (Ret), age 94, passed away in Annapolis, MD on September 24, 2023. Jerome (Jerry) was the son of Harry and Ida Rapkin of Rehoboth Beach, DE. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952. After graduation Jerry served aboard several ships before becoming CO, CLAUDE V. Ricketts (DDG-5) and COMDESRON 26. He holds a MSEE degree from the Naval Postgraduate School with specialties in financial management, acquisition management, and weapon systems engineering. During his several tours in Washington, D.C., he served as Business Manager Aegis Weapons System, Program Manager, Ship Self-Defense, Comptroller NAVORD, Head of Surface Warfare NAVSEA, and Budget Director NAVMAT. Upon retiring from the U.S. Navy in 1979, he was employed by the Gould, Inc. - Ocean Systems Division as vice president of program management and engineering development for undersea weapons. Further industry experience includes operating various defense related companies as senior vice president and COO. Prior to leaving industry, he was President and CEO of Breakwater Development Corporation. Jerry has held several positions with civic associations. Jerry served as president of two major Navy League Councils and completed 15 years as a Navy League National Officer. He was the recipient of the Secretary of the Navy's Superior Public Service Award. He was a National Director Emeritus and is in the Navy League Hall of Fame. He completed three years as a trustee of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association; was on the Board of Directors local MOAA chapter. Jerry served as the president of his U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Class of '52. He resided in Annapolis, MD and is survived by his wife Janet; son Keith (Mary); daughters Leigh (Stephen) and Paige (Steven); and grandson Kevin. A celebration of life will be held at the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium in about three months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation (https://www.usna.com/waystogive; 410-295-4115