⬇️ Click the link below to download a copy of Larry's memoirs

https://tinyurl.com/harvestin…

Lawrence (Larry) Rappaport, May 28, 1928 - October 5, 2022

Larry Rappaport, 94, passed away peacefully at home after an extended challenge with dementia. He grew up with loving parents Aaron and Elsie Rappaport, and his sister Libby (d. 2002). At age 17, Larry courageously left his childhood home of New York City to pursue his passion for horticulture. He earned his B.S. at the University of Idaho, Moscow and served in the U.S. Army as Battalion Sergeant Major during the Korean conflict. After completing his Ph.D. at Michigan State University, he was ecstatic to join the faculty of the Vegetable Crops Department at UC Davis, “my dream job.” Larry and his wife, Norma, settled in Davis in 1956 and raised their 3 children here. His professional life afforded the family wonderful opportunities to travel and live overseas, appreciate people and cultures of the world, and have fun together.

Larry leaves a deep legacy, a product of his unbridled energy as a scientist, an educator, and a visionary. His scientific contributions helped to fuel increased agricultural production all over the world, and his mentorship of new scientists, students, and people of all ages enriched and inspired their lives. Larry’s leadership in the Department of Vegetable Crops (now Plant Sciences), where he served as department chair, fostered the growth and academic renown of the department at large. He was proud of his contributions to the Jewish community in Davis, where he and Norma were among the founders of the Davis Jewish Fellowship (Congregation Bet Haverim) and established Hillel of Davis and Sacramento, a home away from home for Jewish students. He also was one of the founders of the Davis Human Relations Council, working to support tolerance and diversity locally. After retirement he prized his connections with the OLLI Writers Group which led him to publish his memoirs. These delightful stories and memories were ultimately a gift to himself and his family as his memory faded.

Larry frequently expressed his deep love and gratitude for his family. He cherished Norma, his loving, encouraging, and devoted wife of almost 69 years, and regarded their marriage as “the smartest thing I ever did.” He loved his three children (“the smartest thing I ever helped Norma do”), as well as his five grandchildren; he was so proud of who they each grew up to be, and of the guidance he was able to give them throughout life.

Larry’s adventurous spirit and loving presence will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him. He frequently declared, “I’m a lucky man!” He was always ready to crack a joke, make a goofy face, and share his beloved chocolate. His sweet, warm, and spontaneous nature brought smiles to those around him to the very end. Larry lived his values of family and community, and his example and presence will continue to be felt in all he helped build.

Larry is survived by his wife, Norma; children Meryl Rappaport (Mark Haffer), Debra (David) Kramer, Craig Rappaport (Robin Rafferty), and grandchildren Joel Kramer (Aviva Paley), David Rappaport, Tamara Kramer, Henry and Lindsey Rappaport; his nephew, Larry (Lisa) Kasimow, great-nieces Erin (Mike Wang) and Jillian Kasimow, and great-great-niece Libby Kasimow.

Graveside services will be held at the Davis Cemetery on Monday, October 10, 2022 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hillel of Davis and Sacramento, to YoloCares (hospice), or to Congregation Bet Haverim in his honor are appreciated.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/larry-rappaport/obituary/

Copy