Roger F. Rappole, 86, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 25 surrounded by his family. He was born in Watertown, New York to the late Louis and Lula Rappole. Roger grew up on a farm in Philadelphia NY. After graduating from High School he joined the Marine Corps where he served during the Korean War and was one of the Chosin Few. After leaving the Marine Corp he returned to Philadelphia NY and ran the family dairy farm for 10 years. He then moved the family to Alexandria, VA where he attended a technical school and received a degree in Refrigeration/Air Conditioning. He worked at The National Institutes of Health until he retired. He and his wife then moved to Melbourne Florida to start their retirement. Roger was a member of the Melbourne Moose Lodge and the American Legion.
Survivors include his wife Alice "Joanne" of 64 years and their 3 children, Charmaine Campagna (Charles), Louis Rappole (Deborah), Michele Buzbee-Franke (Louis). Grandchildren include Paul and Peter Campagna, Catherine and Amy Rappole, Dylan Buzbee and Jack Franke. Step Grandchildren Jeffrey Campagna, Julie Forbes, Douglas Buzbee, Nicholas Franke. Step Great-Grandchildren Katie and Emily Forbes, Maddox and Owen Buzbee.
The family would like to thank his caretakers Jeffrie and Sandra for their compassionate care.
He met trial and tribulation with humor and wit until the last days of his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at Wesley United Methodist Church at 1:00pm
followed by military honors and placement of cremains in the church garden. Donations can be made to Wesley United Methodist Church or Hospice of Health First (Melbourne, FL)