Joseph Rapuano, 91, of Tewksbury, passed away peacefully at his home with his loving wife at his side on March 23, 2025. Born on July 6, 1933, in Sant'Arsenio, Italy, he was the son of the late Carmine and Immacolata (Ippolito) Rapuano. Joseph grew up in Italy during World War II in a town under German occupation before immigrating to the United States through Ellis Island at the age of 15 with his family, settling with his aunt in Woburn.
Joseph proudly served his adopted country in the United States Army during the Korean War, being honorably discharged in 1955. He settled in Tewksbury and construction became his life's work, and he founded Rapuano Excavating Company, which he ran for many years. Alongside his beloved wife of over 70 years, Vera M. (Segien) Rapuano, he also owned and operated The Helm, a rental property at Hampton Beach, NH.
A Great Man known for his garden as well as his love of the Bruins and Red Sox, Joseph was a well-recognized figure in Tewksbury and a life member of the VFW in Billerica. Joseph Rapuano lived a remarkable life defined by resilience, hard work, and an unwavering devotion to his family. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched with his strength, kindness, and generosity of spirit.
In addition to his loving wife Vera, of Tewksbury, he leaves behind his devoted children: Joseph Rapuano and his wife Susan Wong of Atkinson, NH; Heather Rapuano and her husband James Peake of Tewksbury; and Michael Rapuano and his wife Penny DeMiles of Hudson, NH. Joseph was the proud grandfather of Marysa Rapuano and her husband Jack Bonner, Michael Rapuano, and Samuel Wong-Rapuano, as well as the adoring great-grandfather of Aidyn Christopher Rapuano, Cali Marie Rapuano, Luke Michael Rapuano.
He is also survived by his brother Francesco Rapuano of Washington, DC, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Joseph was predeceased by his son Christopher Rapuano, his brother Damiano Rapuano, and two sisters who passed away at a young age.
You are welcome to attend his visitation on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 9am until 11am at the Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876. His funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 11am followed by procession to the Tewksbury Cemetery. Please consider making a donation in his memory to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, Processing Center, P.O. Box 863765, Orlando, FL 32886.