Rappoport, Stephen M.

Stephen M. Rappoport, 74, died Monday, May 13, 2024, at home with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Ella (Smith) Rappoport for thirty-eight years. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Norton and Selma (Pass) Rappoport, and lived in Cranston for thirty-six years, previously living in Warwick.

Devoted father of Jonathan Rappoport (Danielle) and Adam Rappoport (Jamie) both of Evanston, IL; and Lauren Rappoport Halloway (Mark) of North Attleboro, MA. Dear brother of Ronald Rappoport (Gloria) of Exeter; his identical twin, Harvey Rappoport (Lorraine) of Cranston; and Howard Rappoport of West Warwick. Fiercely loving grandfather of Ryan, Nathan, Jonah, Leo, Reese, Mila, and Matthew. Loving pet dad to Brady and so many other beloved golden retrievers before him.

A larger-than-life presence known as “Rap” to many, he was an attorney for 50 years, most recently as Senior Partner at Rappoport, DeGiovanni & Caslowitz, Inc., where he practiced for more than three decades.

A member of the Rhode Island Bar Association since 1974, he was also a member of the Massachusetts Bar since 1985 and the New Mexico State Bar since 1994.

Stephen was educated at Boston University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1971, Magna Cum Laude, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He received his law degree from The American University Washington College of Law in the District of Columbia in 1974. Stephen was also an Army reservist.

An avid golfer and New England sports fan, he gleefully attended all six Patriots Super Bowl Championships and waited 59 years to see his cherished Red Sox win a World Series, followed by four more over the next 15 years.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 16, at 11am at Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., in Cranston. The burial will be a private ceremony in the presence of the decedent’s close family. Shiva will be observed at Stephen and Ellie’s residence on Friday, May 17, between 2p to 8p.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephen’s memory may be made in support of Uveal Melanoma Research at Jefferson’s Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. Please donate online at www.Jefferson.edu/SupportUvealMelanoma.

For online condolences, please visit ShalomMemorialChapel.com.

11 Comments

  1. Katherine Edwards
    May 15, 2024

    I’m so sorry to learn of Attorney Rappaport’s passing. I was employed as a workers comp case manager for many years and as such, our paths crossed frequently. He was a fierce but fair advocate for his clients and a force to be reckoned with — and admired. Sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

  2. Mr. & Mrs. Luis Ionkoff
    May 15, 2024

    Rest in peace Stephen.Forever in our hearts

  3. Ira Lobel
    May 15, 2024

    I first met Steve when we both were in law school – at different schools We met through spouses and undergraduate roommates – and became good friends. We saw our kids born and they became friends. Unfortunately, we lost contact and have not spoken in a long time. But he brings back great memories of a very decent man, a good father, an excellent lawyer, and a good friend. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to the entire Rappaport family.

  4. Nancy Wilcox Rousseau
    May 15, 2024

    Stephen & I grew up in Washington Park in Providence where we used to ride our bikes together with a big group of Baby Boomers in Roger Williams ParkSo many years ago…time flew by.

  5. Hon. Steven Minicucci
    May 15, 2024

    I offer my sincerest condolences to the family. Steve Rap was a great guy and a great Lawyer. When I was in law practice he was a consummate gentleman and professional. I enjoyed working with him in the RI Trial Lawyers Association (now RIAJ).
    He helped so many clients obtain some semblance of compensation and justice over his professional life. Our legal community has lost a lion and a luminary. I hope your memories of him comfort you in your grief. Peace to you all. I am traveling and unable to attend services, but my thoughts are there indeed.

  6. Hon. C. Darnell Jones
    May 15, 2024

    My friend Stephen, you are one of the most inspiring friends I have ever known. Neither of us could have ever imagined that our daughters would cause us to reconnect after almost 50 years! I was fortunate enough to be able to tell you how much of a positive impact you had on me during our law school years which truly helped frame my future as a judge. Blessings on you and your family.

  7. Carlo Eugene Pisaturo
    May 15, 2024

    Dear Elly & family, So sorry for your loss. Rap was a Great person & a Fantastic lawyer. He will be missed. He suffered far to long. May he prst in peace
    Carlo & Trudy Pisaturo

  8. Herman Rainey
    May 15, 2024

    The Rapport law firm represented me many year ago Stephen always professional. Send condolences to his entire family keep the faith moving forward…

  9. Karen Wheeler
    May 15, 2024

    We are so sorry for your loss. We will remember Stephen fondly.

    Karen & Roland Wheeler & family

  10. Wendy Shaffer
    May 16, 2024

    My heartfelt sorrow for this loving family! I will deeply miss this great man . His love and generosity, warm welcoming way has never gone unoticed or unappreciated. Loved when he was cooking at the grill!!

    Wendy Shaffer

  11. Anita & Don Kaufman
    May 17, 2024

    To Jon, Adam & Lauren,

    Don & I want to express our sincere condolences
    to your entire family
    . Remember all the good times with your Dad .and pass
    Them onto your children .

    Our very best to you all.
    Love
    Anita& Don Kaufman

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