Raymond J. Kapper

Raymond J. Kapper passed away March 14, 2021 at his home in Florida. Ray Kapper dedicated his professional career to serving his community. Whether serving the citizens of the City of Akron as an elected official or young men and women as a coach and administrator, Kapper put the greater-good above his own aspirations. He began his professional career as the athletic director for the Catholic Youth Organization and as head football coach at St. Mary's High School before moving on to the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company where he served as employee activities director. Kapper was elected to serve the City of Akron first as a ward councilman and then as councilman at-large. He ultimately was elected by his peers to serve as the president of the council. In 1984, Kapper was appointed to serve as service director. In that position he oversaw the City of Akron's Engineering Bureau, the Public Works Bureau, the Sewer Bureau, and the Water Bureau. Kapper retired from the City of Akron due to health reasons in 1992. In retirement, Kapper continued to work in the community and support the causes that were most important to him. He was especially proud of his work with The First Tee of Akron, a youth mentoring program that provides educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. He most enjoyed time spent with family and friends and cheering on his beloved New York Yankees. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Barbara; his children, David (Jennifer) Kapper, Deborah (Kelly) Dodson, Jon (Nancy) Kapper, and Christopher (Collen) Kapper; grandchildren, Abbie, Alex, Charlie, Hannah, Ben, Frances, Nicole, and Kevin; great grandchild Violet; and brothers Dick, Tom, and Glenn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Marcine, and his grandson, Andrew. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12 p.m. Tuesday, March 23 at St Hilary Catholic Church, Fairlawn, OH 44333 Private burial at Holy Cross Cemetery and will be live streamed at: sthilarychurch.org/live A celebration of life will take place this summer. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ray Kapper Scholarship c/o First Tee-Greater Akron, 2000 S. Hawkins Ave. Akron, OH 44314, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307, or the IBH, 3445 S. Main St., Akron, 44319.