Obituary of Edwin C. Rapke
Edwin C. Rapke, age 97, of the Town of Western, passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2024, surround by his loving family.
Edwin and was born in Rome on February 21, 1927 to the late Edward and Bertha Scheidelman Rapke. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war had ended, he returned home and graduated from RFA in 1948 and earned his Bachelor’s from Buffalo State in 1951. On August 18, 1951, he was united in marriage to the former Estella Sherman at St. John’s Lutheran Church. He taught driver’s education for the Rome City School District and retired in 1982 after 31 years, and taught instructors’ drivers’ education at Oswego State and Albany State.
After retirement, he and Estella enjoyed travelling extensively around the world. He loved to carve, paint, and do woodworking and even won several awards for his works of art. He was a councilman and supervisor for the Town of Western. He was also a member of the Ava Dorfman Senior Center, and one of the original seven founders of the Rome Teachers Federal Credit Union. Edwin was a true country gentleman farmer.
Edwin is survived by his loving wife of nearly 77 years, Estella; son, Paul (Lynn Clawson) Rapke of Rome; grandchildren, Thomas (Jennifer) Rapke), and Michael (Carley) Rapke; \great grandchildren, Ella, Leah, Nora, and Vera; sisters in law, Marion Rapke, Joanne (Fred) Stellato, and Betty (Robert) Martinez and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Edna Celotti, Myrtle White, and Edith Bork; and his brothers, LeRoy, Seymore, Walter, Robert, and Raymond Rapke.
Funeral services will be private.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.
