John S. Rapole

Port Jervis, NY - John Stephen Rapole, age 71 passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Bon Secours Community Hospital after a long illness. John was born in Sussex, New Jersey to the late Joseph Thomas Rapole and Virginia (Brown) Rapole on November 7, 1954. John grew up in Franklin, where he attended school and graduated from High Point Regional High School in Wantage. John was loved by many and proudly played goalie on the soccer team; where he guarded the goal with dedication and heart. He certainly played hard while loving every moment of it. After graduating High Point, John attended Susquehanna University, where he studied Chemistry and worked for Tarkett, Diversified Chemicals and then Propellants Co. as a Chemist. During his adult life, John resided in Franklin and Sussex, New Jersey and Greenville and Port Jervis, New York before moving to Matamoras, Pennsylvania. He was a true animal lover and he enjoyed their companionship. His dog Rocky, and later Polar "Bear" brought him great joy. John spent many days with his side kick, "Bear" at the local dog park in Wantage while meeting old friends and making new ones. The dog park was one of his favorite places to be and many of the park's regulars referred to him as the "Mayor of Wantage." John enjoyed collecting antiques, coins, Hess Trucks, and rare treasures, many of which he carefully saved to pass down to his children and grandchildren. He loved to laugh and joke, often sharing stories that brought smiles to those around him, and he maintained many friendships from different chapters of his life.

Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Sliker and her husband Thomas Sliker; his grandparents; several nieces and nephews; cousins; and close friends. John was so proud of his sons and daughters-in-law; Joseph John (Rachelle) Rapole of Manchester, CT and Stephen Adam (Rochelle) Rapole of Springfield, MO. He was also very fond of his cherished grandchildren; Colyn (Desario) Rapole, Aiden, Kai, Xavier and Charlie Mae Marie Rapole. He is also survived by his two nieces, Corinne Reppenhagen of Monroe, CT and Rachel (Jason) Cerbone of Canton, CT and his nephew, Thomas (TJ) Sliker of Monroe, CT; his great nieces, Riley and Raegan Reppenhagen of Monroe, CT; and his great-nephew Jason "Jase" Cerbone of Canton, CT. John was anxiously waiting to meet his twin grandson and granddaughter within the next month.

Friends may pay their respects to the family on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m at the Pinkel Funeral Home, 31 Bank Street (Route 23), Sussex. Memorial services will immediately follow at 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered to the family on www.pinkelfuneralhome.com