Robert “Bob” Gerald Rapke, age 87, of Rome, passed from this earth on October 6, 2018.

He was born December 2, 1930, in Rome, a son of the late Edward and Bertha Scheidelman Rapke, the eighth child of nine close-knit siblings. Bob was united in marriage to the former Elizabeth “Betty” A. Hunziker, on September 8, 1951, in St. Mary of the Assumption Church. He was employed for many years at the former Rome Developmental Center and later for the Postal Service in Rome, retiring after many years of service.

Bob was a jack of all trades and a master of all. He could always be counted on to extend his hand or a kind word to anyone. He enjoyed telling tall tales, working in his garden, tinkering in his garage, taking long rides and reading a good book. A man of infinite patience and kindness, he was his family’s moral compass and his huge heart and constant smile will be greatly missed.

Bob is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters, Gail (Howard) Marsh, Judy (Randall) Bonham, Dawn Rapke and Roberta (Clarence Burk) Rapke; a son, Bill (Jill Brown) Rapke; cherished grandchildren, Matthew (Tai Wilson) Marsh, Heather (Owen) Waller, Erin Bonham, Meaghan (Justin) Morrison, Laura (Douglas) Pearson, Eric Burk and Mark Bonham; 12 wonderful great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; three brothers and two sisters in law, Edwin (Estella) Rapke, Walter (Marion) Rapke and Raymond Rapke; and his dear friend Clyde Megerell. He was predeceased by three sisters and two brothers in law, Edna Celotti, Edith (James) Bork, and Myrtle (James) White; and two brothers and three sisters in law, Leroy (Jane) Rapke, Seymour (Doris) Rapke, and Theresa Rapke.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, October 11th at 6:00 PM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Relatives and friends may also call from 3 to 6 PM, prior to the memorial service. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Lustgarten Foundation, Cure Pancreatic Cancer, 415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite D, Woodbury, New York 11797 or at lustgarten.org.