Search by Name

Search by Name

William Rapoport Obituary

William "Bill" Rapoport

William (Bill) Rapoport passed away at age 77 on April 2, 2018 in Burlingame, CA. A long time resident of San Carlos, Bill began practicing law in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1969 when he joined the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office as a member of the Richmond trial team. He then transitioned to San Mateo County, where he raised his family while pursuing a private law practice with offices in Burlingame, San Mateo, and Redwood City.
Bill was born in New York and raised in Virginia. He obtained an undergraduate degree at Rollins College in Florida and a law degree at Emory University in Atlanta. Bill's hobbies were hunting, fishing, and time spent in the outdoors. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and watching his twin grandsons grow up. Over the past many decades, Bill became an avid world traveler and explored his family genealogy in Europe and Asia. Bill particularly enjoyed fine wines and scotch, as well as spending time with his long-time companion Robin.
Bill was a trusted friend to many. His passion was the intensity and challenge of his law practice, where he worked tirelessly for his clients and was deeply gratified working in collaboration with those he trusted and loved. Bill believed strongly in an ethical approach to law and that regardless of charge, all people are entitled to professional care and dedication.
He is survived by his son Christopher, daughter-in-law Amoolya, grandchildren Teja and Arya, daughter Alexandra, and nieces Amy and Beth. He touched the lives of hundreds over his lifetime. His friendship, wit, and legal skills will be truly missed.
A memorial in his honor will be celebrated on Saturday June 9, 2018 at 2421 Broadway 3rd Floor in Redwood City from 1-4pm.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from May 25 to May 27, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for William Rapoport

Not sure what to say?





Steve

June 7, 2025

A great attorney and all around good guy.

Kathryn Ellis

June 11, 2024

I am sorry I had no idea that bill had passed. He was a good friend when I lived in California in the 80´s

PORAC Legal Defense Fund

May 12, 2019

California Attorney William Bill Richard Rapoport unexpectedly passed away on Monday, 4/2/2018, after suffering a heart attack. For nearly 40 years, Bill served as defense counsel to police officers in disciplinary and criminal cases. He was highly respected by the PORAC Legal Defense Fund staff and other attorneys who had the honor of working with him. Opposing counsel came to recognize him as a tenacious, tireless client advocate who left no stone unturned. There will never be another like Bill Rapoport.

May 11, 2019

Bill Rapoport 2015

A

March 31, 2019

Bill Rapoport

A

March 31, 2019

2005

A

March 2, 2019

2005

A

March 2, 2019

Henry Clarke

January 27, 2019

Bill was a classmate of mind at Emory law school in Atlanta and even in those days--fifty years ago he was one of a kind. I am sure that all of his classmates are saddened by the news.

June 21, 2018

I was saddened to hear about Bill's passing. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends and co-workers. Bill represented me in an IA in 2011. I respected his knowledge and experience; more importantly his dogged take-no-prisoners attitude. Bill, thanks for representing me. Rest in Eternal Peace. A friend

Julio & Susie

June 5, 2018

Bill was referred to us for an awful situation re: our son in 1997. Bill was remarkable & was able to have the bad guys put in jail & pay for their attacks. He has remained in touch ever since. We will miss him & his annual Christmas cards...RIP kind sir...

Kaz

May 31, 2018

W R helped me out in 1970 in a life changing way. Great attorney and person. Thank You William.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in William Rapoport's name

Memorial Events
for William Rapoport

Jun

9

Memorial service

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

2421 Broadway 3rd Floor

2421 Broadway 3rd Floor, Redwood City, CA

How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Rapoport's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more