Edward H. Rapallo, a retired Medford firefighter and life-long resident, died on Christmas Day at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was 83.
Mr. Rapallo was born in Medford, the son of the late Salvatore and the late Giovanna (Gassira) Rapallo. He served in the Pacific with the Navy during World War II and was a member of Medford VFW Post. He joined the Medford Fire Department, serving most of his career at Engine 1. He received a commendation for his efforts in battling the Medford High School Fire. Ed was also a skilled carpenter and cabinetmaker. As co-owner of Starlight Tours he led groups to the Catskills and Las Vegas.
He was the beloved husband of Alice (Marley) (Durant) Rapallo. He was a devoted father to Diane Leeman and her husband James of Stoneham, and Debra Rapallo of East Boston. He was also the husband of the late Ella (Little) Rapallo. He was a loving grandfather to Kristen DeSantis and her husband Phil of Sudbury, Michael Leeman and his wife Jill of Melrose. He was a loving great-grandfather of “Eddie’s Angels”: Jenna Rose, Gabriella, Michaella, Alexandra and Katherine. He was a dear brother to Fred Rapallo and Elizabeth Cammarata, both of Medford, the late Andrew, Joe, Steve, Nick, Frank Rapallo and Bernadette Ballero. He was a devoted stepfather to Mark, Brian Stephen and Keith Durant.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Tuesday at 10 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family Monday 4 thru 8. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Ed’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN.