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Gregory Rapp Obituary
Gregg passed away on Wednesday, November 11th, 2020. He was born on September 5th, 1958 and grew up in Dayton Ohio. He is survived by his brother Jerry, sister Amy, and brother Vitaly Potapenko. He is a graduate of Washington State University and went on to pioneer the industry of Menu Engineering. No matter where you dine, there's a good chance you've ordered off a menu influenced by Gregg. His life and legacy lives on through the colorful and vast circle of friends he nurtured throughout his life. We miss you Gregg.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Rapp
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Jeremy S
February 9, 2024
I didn't know Gregg directly, but his work greatly influence my career. I spent 16 years as a designer exclusively for restaurants. Menu engineering was a passion of mine and his insights and "founding father of menu engineering" status was invaluable. That passion became the pivot point of my career and I transitioned into data. His same concepts translated well in data visualization and dashboarding and continue to pay dividends. He may not be physically present, but his legacy continues to guide me and many others daily.
BARBARA WISBEY PALM SPRINGS
November 14, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mary Hopkins
November 14, 2023
I continue to miss Gregg everyday. We first met when I was working from home. He would come by and have me write business letters for him. He´d explain what he wanted to say and I´d compose the letters. There was no internet way back then so I´d deliver the finished letters to him at his home office.
Our working relationship evolved over time and at the height of our working together he backed away from administrative work and went back to sales where he was fabulously creative and successful. I continued full time in admin and developing the company.
But the most meaningful memories are how he became a big part of our family. He developed a bond with my three year old daughter that still exists into her 40´s.
An example:
He came by my home office one day when my daughter was sick and not in school to drop off some work. It was her birthday that she shared with another student so I had made cupcakes for the class but couldn´t leave her to deliver them. When I told Gregg he didn´t hesitate one second and gladly dropped the treats off at her school and personally delivered them to the students.
There have been three men who contributed significantly to our lives.
They were all kind, honest to a fault, and a joy to know. Coincidentally, they also all shared the same September birthday.
My world and the world around Gregg were better for having known and loved him.
Brian Wansink
November 14, 2023
My family and I miss you Gregg. We love all of our memories and our opportunities to tell Gregg Rapp stories to each other and to others.
It seems like only last week, you were sitting across from me on the couch talking about the cool things going on in your life.
Mary Hopkins
November 28, 2022
I just found out the Gregg has passed. There have been three important men in my lives and Gregg was in that group. I don´t know if it´s a coincidence that they all shared a September 5 birthday. I worked with Gregg when he was starting his menu design business and it was one of the most exciting and challenging experiences I´ve ever had the pleasure to be part of. I learned so much about advertising, promotions, and design. I also learned about the business part of business like everything is negotiable, how to make cold calls and collecting from difficult clients without losing their connection, forming relationships with vendors and so much more. I have a wealth of Gregg stories that I will always treasure. His creativity knew no bounds and he leaves a big gap that is likely impossible to fill.
My heart goes out to his family and his many friends.
Mary (Halberg) Hopkins
Jennifer L Thomas
August 28, 2022
Jerry and family. I am sorry to hear of Greggs death. It's now August 22', and his death makes me sad for you all, and truly sorry that I did not know to send my condolences sooner. Peace be with you and yours.
Alastair Kendall
July 19, 2022
I have just found out that my friend Gregg has died at such a young age. My first thoughts are for his family members who must miss him terribly. I met Gregg in the 3rd grade when I moved from the UK and he and his brother Jerry were very kind to me. Years later he called me to help him learn more about the program at Cornell University given I was an undergraduate. I know he later became a regular speaker at the school. Such a tragedy that his life was cut short but at least he leaves a lasting legacy. Goodbye, my friend.
Jay Warsinske
February 27, 2022
Gregg & I were born the same day, same year. Plus as kids in families of 3 children, we were both in the middle, with youngter sisters. As I moved to Dayton to start 9th grade, we were next door neighbors. He helped me ease into a 'strange' new school with cliques galore. After moving to Panama Central America for my Senior Year, we both ended up going to college in Washington state (thousands of miles from Ohio). Then we both ended up in Southern California since '80. A lifelong friend & bonded by 9/5/58! Gregg took me to my 1st Arena Rock show, ELTON JOHN on the Yellow Brick Road tour & my life was forever changed! I'm celebrating 50 years in the Music & Entertainment business, & seen 20,000 Concerts since! That was my FIRST! 'Gregory T' as I fondly called him was One-of-a-Kind & will be sorely missed! RIP my 'brother from another mother'. [email protected]
Brian Wansink
February 3, 2022
Brian Wansink
February 3, 2022
Carey Diaz
July 25, 2021
Gregg, thank you for taking me to see Annie in the second grade. I will never forget it.
I will miss you, and am grateful for all that you taught me through your kindness, generosity, humor and tolerance.
Rosemary Bolster
March 12, 2021
WSU was just more fun having you around. What fun we had traveling the world on Semester at Sea! What a fun loving guy. You will be missed.
Mariola Johnson
December 24, 2020
Aloha for now, Gregg.
Mariola
December 24, 2020
Aloha for now, Gregg
Jennifer C
November 26, 2020
He was the love of my life at WSU. It will take time to realize he is not with us anymore.
Gregg T always made me happy, laughing and so much fun to be with. Phi Kappa was our place to hang out in between classes, dinner with other, and traveling on the weekends.
Working for him as he got his menu business just out of college.
His move to Palm Springs Gabe is a new place to hang out.
Now his is gone. I loved you always.
Michael O'Hara
November 23, 2020
Love you, Gregg. Pledge brothers and lifelong buddies since our first year of college at Washington State University in 1976. A million laughs and 44 years of friendship and brotherhood. I'm glad we all got together last year and I never would have thought it would be the last time. As we often said, "We'll be friends through thick and thin..." All of your Phi Kappa Theta brothers are going to miss you and your dry humor, wit and truly unique perspective very very much. Love and condolences to GTR's family and to his many friends.
Dave Henkel
November 21, 2020
I knew Gregg for many years. I worked for a corporation headquartered in Dayton OH. So Gregg and I had a connection that way. But also as a good friend who had a wry and witty sense of humor. I will always appreciate his good humor, thoughtfulness and generosity. I will truly miss him. My condolences to all of his family and friends.
Barbara Wisbey
November 20, 2020
GREG HAD ME UP TO HIS HOME IN SOUTHRIDGE ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS. HE WAS VERY SMART & VERY WELL VERSED!
HE WAS RESIDING IN THE FORMER WILLIAM HOLDEN ESTATE. HE SHOWED ME NUMEROUS MENUS HE HAD DESIGNED FOR VARIOUS TOP NAME RESTAURANTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
I ALWAYS ENJOYED HIS COMPANY.
MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY!!!
HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED!
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