Gregory Rapisarda

Gregory F. Rapisarda

September 27, 1939 – December 16, 2022

Mr. Gregory F. Rapisarda died on December 16, 2022, at the age of 83 after a brief illness.

Greg came from a close-knit family. For most of his life he lived in a family-owned apartment building in Brooklyn, NY with his parents, aunts, and uncles. An only child, he was devoted to his extended family and lovingly cared for them as they aged. He was an active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish and for many years his sonorous voice was a mainstay of the church choir. From time to time, he would be asked to play the organ for Mass as well.

Greg graduated from St. Michael’s High School (now Xaverian) in Brooklyn in 1957, where he studied two years of Latin and two years of French. He went on to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in French from Fordham University. In 1960, at the age of 21 and while still in his senior year at Fordham, Greg joined the faculty of Regis High School in Manhattan as a member of the Foreign Language Department. For the next 41 years he taught Spanish, French, and Italian with charisma and care to generations of Regis students. His knowledge of and fluency in these languages grew to even include a few dialects. Over these many years, he tutored students both before and after school and directed the French Exchange Program. Greg’s investment in student learning was recognized by school administrators, who commended him for organizing annual cultural trips to Mexico and Europe, and for contributing to the early development of the academic resource centers that have been a hallmark of the Regis experience for almost 50 years. He continued to care for his family and made many friends with whom he enjoyed dining, music, travel, and laughter.

Upon his retirement from teaching in 2001, fellow teacher and former student James Scacalossi '83 praised Greg as “a model for new teachers. He enjoyed his work and his enthusiasm spread to the rest of the faculty. He was always willing to listen (and be listened to!), give advice, and offer words of encouragement. He was the professional, always looking to increase his own knowledge and improve his class. He continuously offered his best to the students, which other faculty members wished to emulate."

Greg was preceded in death by his parents Santo and Antonina Rapisarda, and by his dear friends Natalie Fiore and Joan Corleto. He is survived by many friends, colleagues and former students who mourn his loss and will celebrate his life at a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 2:00 PM in the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on Park Avenue and 84th Street in Manhattan. Interment will take place on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Calvary Cemetery in Queens.