James J. Rapoli

James J. Rapoli, 74, of Plaistow, formerly of Franklin, N.J., passed away peacefully at his home on April 6, 2015. Born in Franklin, N.J., he was the son of the late, John and Elizabeth (Postas) Rapoli. Raised in Franklin, he attended Franklin schools and was a graduate of Franklin High School, class of 1958.

A retail and wholesale florist, Rapoli owned and operated a floral business in New York and New Hampshire. A member of St. James Church in Haverhill, he was a devout member and enjoyed volunteering his time and professional experience to the church. His skills as a green thumb came in handy for the community garden located at St. John the Baptist Church in Haverhill. A kind man with a generous heart, he sold flowers and gave part of the proceeds to support local food pantries to help those in need

Along with his church community, who he considered his family, he leaves his companion with whom he lived, Lucille F. Dole, of Plaistow, two sons; Gregory A. Rapoli, Tor M. Rapoli, two daughters, Margaret A. Raploli, and Cassandra Guiducci, all of New Jersey, a brother, Joseph, of Pennsylvania, and sister, Betty Allen, and her husband, Robert, of Franklin, N.J., 13 grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, John, who died at the Battle of the Bulge during WWII and William, and sisters, Caroline Walter and Marian Kiss.

A graveside service will be held at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Hardyston Twp. on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Open Hand Pantry, 6 Cottage St. Haverhill, MA 01830 or the Food Pantry of St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 8 Atkinson Depot Rd. Plaistow, NH, 03865. Arrangements are under the direction of F. John Ramsey Funeral Home One Main St. Franklin.

For online condolences please see www.fjohnramseyfuneralhome.com.