Thomas G Rapisarda

THOMAS G. RAPISARDA July 31, 1931 - June 16, 2019 Thomas G. Rapisarda ended his battle with cancer on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at his home in Leesburg, attended by his wife, Carolyn, and his children in his final days, and the tender ministrations of the Cornerstone Hospice community. Born in the coastal city of Beverly, Mass., to Antonio and Jessie (Froton) Rapisarda, Tom was raised and educated, graduating from Beverly High School in 1950. He graduated from Northeastern University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1957. Tom and Carolyn (Johnson) were married in Jan. 1953 in Beverly, and commenced raising a family of four children: Thomas Richard in 1953, Steven Joseph in 1955, Elaine Carolyn in 1960, and David John in 1962. His career in industry began in Lynn, Mass., at General Electric Corp. manufacturing medium steam turbines. In the course of his career, he was employed in the manufacture of large steam turbines used in railroads and shipping, and in smaller aeronautical jet propulsion. He worked in Lynn, Mass., Schenectady, N.Y., Erie, PA., Elyria, Oh., Beloit, Wi., Toledo, Oh., and Dallas, Tx. The family relocated many times and enjoyed learning and living in each location. The ocean and forests of New England and New York were where Tom and his family enjoyed their leisure with camping and fishing and other outdoor activities. He became a part-time farmer while living in Pennsylvania, raising vegetables, fruits, and Christmas trees. For a decade after his retirement, Tom and Carolyn cruised the seven seas with Holland America Cruise Line, visiting cities on seven continents as they conducted watercolor art classes for the guests. It was a wonderful way to retire. Predeceased by his parents and a younger brother, John, Tom is survived by his wife, Carolyn, children: Thomas R. (Karen), Steven J. (Karla), Elaine C. Zimmerman, (John, deceased), and David J. (Lisa), and nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren, and his sister, Rosalie (Terry) Buck, and many nieces and nephews. Remembrances may be made to Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation, Tavares, FL. There will be a memorial gathering on Friday, June 28, 2019 from 10:00a.m.-10:30 a.m. with a service to follow at Beyers Funeral Home Chapel, 1123 W. Main St., Leesburg, FL 34748 Online condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Leesburg, FL.