Thomas I. Rapach

Thomas Ivan Rapach, age 95, fell asleep in the arms of the Lord, Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
His loving wife Irene Rapach survives. Four siblings preceded him in death.
Other survivors include his brother John (Peg) Rapach of Cincinnati OH, and Tom and Irene's children, Thomas John (Toni) Rapach of Chicago, Mark (Brennan) Rapach of Dunlap, and Stephanie (Robert) Rapach-Friese of Brooklyn, NY. Surviving grandchildren are Nathaniel Rapach, Mitchell Rapach, and Tressa Rapach of Chicago, Luke Rapach and Adam Rapach of Dunlap, and Henry Rapach-Friese of Brooklyn, NY, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Thomas was born October 4, 1929, in Aliquippa, PA. His childhood and young adult years were spent in Clariton, PA. His father was a Byzantine Catholic priest and Tom was raised in a very strong faith.
After high school, he attended Robert Morris University and received a degree in accounting.
Following business studies, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was assigned the duties for administrative personnel during the Korean Conflict and honorably discharged in 1952.
He then attended Penn State University for additional business education and was recruited by BF Goodrich Industrial Products for sales and marketing. During his assignment, he was transferred to New York City, in 1959, where he met his future and beloved wife, Irene.
In 1960, Tom and Irene were married by his father, Rev. Michael B. Rapach, at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, Pittston, PA. Tom and Irene enjoyed 65 years of marriage and loving devotion.
After marriage, he was transferred by his employer to Peoria IL, where he made a home and raised his family.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Tom pursued ministry in the Permanent Diaconate Program within the Peoria Diocese. He was ordained by Bishop Edward O'Rourke as a bi-ritual deacon in the Roman and Byzantine rites in 1983. His assignment was St. Jude Catholic Church, where he faithfully served for 40 years, until 2023, having reached senior status.
Tom was an active member of St. Jude Catholic Church. He was also involved in Peoria Cursillo, pastoral care, prison ministries, church renewal programs, Knights of Columbus, a charter member of the St. Jude church building committee, and various other spiritual initiatives.
In 2018, he was privileged to attend the Peoria Honor Flight to Washington D.C. as a veteran.
Tom had a gift for aesthetics and after retirement, he was certified for interior design and worked for Lippman' s Furniture and Interiors.
Many of Tom's passions included family time, his friendships, golfing, woodworking, gardening, and travel.
Visitation will be from 3:00 – 5:00 PM on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at St. Jude Catholic Church, with additional visitation from 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM on Monday, February 10, 2025, also at the Church. Funeral Mass is at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 10, 2025 with Fr. Patrick Henehan officiating. Reception will follow the funeral mass. Burial will be at St. Clements Cemetery, in Dunlap, IL, at 4:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Catholic Church or St. Jude Catholic Grade School.
Friends and family may log on to www.wrightandsalmon.com to leave condolences and memories.