Pelligrino B. Rappa

Pelligrino “Ben” Rappa, a shining light for his family and community, ended his earthly journey on July 31, 2017, at the age of 87. Ben was born on October 13, 1929 to Salvatore and Mary Rappa of Meadville, PA. As a young boy, he enjoyed the adventures of being one of 7 siblings. His precocious nature and generous heart led him to shine shoes and play his harmonica for a little money, which he gave to his family. He was a young man of many talents. He enjoyed boxing (had the broken nose to prove it), and along with his sister, Vita, was crowned the Jitterbug King and Queen!

At only 17, he had the desire to serve his country, and with his parents’ permission, enlisted in the Air Force in 1946. During these early days as a young airman, he developed lifelong friends, values, and found his way back to the dance floor. In 1948, in Munich, Germany, at a USO dance, he met a beautiful German girl, Erika Harting, and asked her to dance the waltz. They married in 1950, raised three children, and danced through 67 years of marriage. Throughout Ben’s military service as an air traffic controller, he completed tours to South Korea, Vietnam, and more. In 1969, he was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery for designing communication procedures which brought fighter helicopter pilots home safely throughout Vietnam’s monsoon seasons. After 23 years of service, Ben retired from the military as Senior Master Sargent. He continued his career as air traffic controller for an additional 20 years with the Space Coast Executive Regional Airport, in Titusville, FL.

After Ben’s retirement, he continued a life of sharing love and smiles to many. He supported his wife’s ballet studio and dance company for 38 years (Erika’s School of Dance/East Coast Dance Theatre), through his set painting and dancing talents. He found his way to a dance floor again every year as the beloved, “Uncle Drosselmeyer” in East Coast Dance Theatre’s annual production of “The Nutcracker”. His charismatic charm also led him to discover a love for the movies! Ben spent many days working as an extra with Brevard Talent Group. His family loved to find his handsome face and beaming personality in every shot! In recent years, he found much joy in serving as greeter and communion server at River Run Christian Church of Melbourne. At the church’s door, Ben’s vibrant personality, infectious smile, and dapper style made him well-known and loved by many. He took much pride in “dressing for the Lord”. He cultivated a family built on the ideals of love, devotion, commitment, humor, storytelling, generosity, support, and the list goes on. He would brag about his family’s accomplishments to all who would listen, and would tell his family they were the smartest, most talented, most beautiful, most handsome, most of everything. He filled his family’s hearts with love, confidence, and happiness every day of his life.

Ben is preceded in death by his son Benjamin J. Rappa. He is survived by his wife, Erika, his daughters and their husbands, Susan and Robert Giancola and Debbie and Joel Crisafulli, his grandchildren and their spouses, Danielle and Robert Lang, Bobby Giancola, Erika, Jacob, and Samuel Crisafulli, Benjamin and Emma Crisafulli, Joe Rappa, Jon and Nicole Beaudry, his great-grandchildren Nicholas, Luke, and Jane and last remaining sibling, brother Tom Rappa.

Dearest Honey, Poppy, Poppa, Bumpa, GGpop, Daddy, Pelligrino Benjamino Josepi Rappa, you will be missed beyond measure. Your family and friends’ hearts will forever be filled with unwavering love and treasured memories.

Ben’s Celebration of Life will be held at River Run Christian Church, 1660 Croton Road, Melbourne, 32935 on Saturday, August 12, 2017, at 11:30 AM.

If desired, donations in Ben’s name may be made to: William Childs Hospice House at 381 Medplex Parkway, Palm Bay, FL 32907.

Flowers may be delivered to River Run Christian Church on Friday, August 11, 2017 between 2 and 5 PM.