Birth date: Aug 1, 1929 Death date: Sep 24, 2023
CAPT Jerome Rapkin, USN (Ret), age 94, passed away in Annapolis, MD on September 24, 2023. Jerome (Jerry) was the son of Harry and Ida Rapkin of Rehoboth Beach, DE. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952. After graduati Read Obituary
I’ve just read that Jerry has passed. My father and Jerry graduated USNA together and were good friends. Jan and Jerry both offered supportive words on the death of my parents Chuck and Susie. I remember playing with Keith, Leigh and Paige when i was young. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Jerry. Susan Seeger Selters
It was my great honor to get to know Jerry as part of the Great Class of ‘52. He was a true gentleman and a delight to know. May his memory be a blessing to you and all he knew.
When my father was transferred and reassigned to the Pentagon in 1972, I became great friends with Capt. Rapkin's daughter, Leigh. Living across the street from them, gave me so many great memories. Fast forward to 2019 and the Rapkins have a family reunion to celebrate Capt. Rapkin's 90th birthday in my new home of Wilmington NC and they once again brought me into their celebration as family. I hope I'm able to make it December 6th to honor his life. If not, my love goes to his entire family and prayers for peace. Jan, Keith, Leigh and Paige thank you for giving me the best memories of my young life. Your Dad gave me a great second family
In 1969, I reported aboard the USS Claude V. Ricketts (DDG-5) as an extremely disgruntled ensign just dropped from flight school. The Ricketts was on a Med deployment at the time. I just wanted to "do my time" and get out of the Navy as soon as I could. Thanks to the patience and mentoring of Captain Rapkin and the Operations Officer, then LT. Geoff Chesbrough, I was convinced I may have a future in the Navy. Jan Rapkin took my wife, Judy, under wing and modeled what a Navy wife should be. I stayed in the Navy and have gone on to command two ships. THANK YOU, CAPTAIN! RIP!
