SWANSEA – Joseph F. Rapoza Jr., age 74, who was a longtime resident of Swansea. Joey passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Sep. 27, 2021 in Massachusetts General Hospital from injuries sustained in an automobile accident near his home. He was the beloved son of the late Joseph F. Rapoza Sr. and the late Serafina (Borges) Rapoza.
Prior to retiring, Joey started his career as a carpenter and later worked as a plumbing supply sales associate for many years. He was a communicant of St. John of God Church and a graduate of Joseph Case High School class of 1966.
In his younger years he was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America Organization and also spent much time camping with his family. He could always be found working on projects at his and other’s homes ranging from electrical to carpentry and plumbing. Throughout his life Joey was a backyard auto mechanic, Ford Mustang enthusiast and always took pride in his welding skills, also dabbling in electronics. He had an eye for coin collecting and was always searching for that certain one in person or online.
Later in life he became interested in fitness and could be found at the gym every morning except Sunday. He was a real trooper and successfully went through many surgeries including a kidney transplant and is a cancer survivor along with many other health issues that he never complained about or let get him down.
Joey was loyal to his family and friends, taking care of many during their elder years, he enjoyed any interaction with family and friends, always loving a good meal. Of his many hobbies he was always interested in marksmanship and shot trap, skeet, high power rifle and pistol. Over the years he belonged to many gun clubs in the area and several leagues.
He was a life member of the Somerset Sportsman’s Club and enjoyed time spent over morning coffee at the club with his friends. Much time was spent at the house on the water watching boats go by, fishing and reading a good book from his friend John. Joey lived a great life and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his two sons: Mark Rapoza, his wife Jessica, of North Dighton and Brian Rapoza, his wife Anna, of RI; his four grandchildren, which he adored: Alexander, Benjamin, Nicholas, and Maxwell.
Memorial contributions in Joseph’s memory may be sent to the Dialysis Center of Fall River, 221 Weaver St., Fall River, MA 02720, or to the National Kidney Foundation.
Joey’s funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home, 1521 N. Main St., Fall River, MA. on Wednesday, Oct. 6th at 9:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. John of God Church, Brayton Ave. Somerset at 10:00 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Somerset. Calling hours on Tuesday, Oct. 5th from 4-7 P.M. To send the family expressions of sympathy, please go to www.rogersfuneral.com.