Obituary of John A. Rapisardi

John A. Rapisardi passed away on Thursday, September 24th. John was 90 years young. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 29th at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, 60 Whippany Road, Whippany. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Avenue , East Hanover. Friends and relatives may visit on Monday, September 28th from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be donated in his name to the good work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 1-800-822-6344 or The Salvation Army, local Morristown office at 973-539-2700. Born in Newark; John was the youngest in a family of four. After attending Rutgers University for accounting, he enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country as a decorated WWII veteran in the 2813th Engineer Petroleum Distribution Company (England, France, Belgium, Germany and the Phillipines). Upon his arrival home, he met Mary Campagiorno at a dance. Joined in marriage in 1953, John and Mary settled in Whippany where they raised four daughters. John trained as an interior designer and owned Styletone Interiors. Following retirement, he enjoyed his position as concierge with Hamilton Park Conference Center, before allowing more time for travel with his loving wife, painting and staying active in service with the Knights of Columbus and community endeavors. Earning the distinction of being elected as Grand Knight twice with the East Hanover Knights of Columbus, Council 6504, John was an active parishioner at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Whippany for many years, was devoted to his community and received numerous awards and citations for his outstanding contributions and efforts. John was especially honored to have been recognized by the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders with a WWII Commemorative Medal presented by Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen for his Distinguished Military Service. Above all, John loved being with his family and friends, and was known as gentle, kind and compassionate. To his “Girls” and friends, he was a man of quiet dignity, integrity and honesty. His bedtime stories, constant support, relentless faith and imaginative and often fun approach to life are qualities that will be forever missed immeasurably, but never forgotten. John leaves only happy memories to his wife Mary of 62 years and daughters: Janet Rapisardi, Doris Rapisardi, Marybeth Sewell and her husband J. Mitchell Sewell, Rosemarie Nielsen and her husband Poul Nielsen; cherished grandfather of Rebecca and Stephen Sewell, and Matthew, Rachel and David Nielsen; and loving uncle to Wendy Jones and her husband Bob Jones. He is also survived by many more loving relatives and friends. His siblings Olivia, Ralph and Josephine predeceased him.