Richard Rapp

You were well loved & will be missed.

You were well loved & will be missed.

✝️ To Ellen and the family- I have just read your annual Christmas correspondence and am just learning of Richard's homegoing. While I am saddened that the world has lost a generous, humorous, and truly unique soul I am rejoicing that his long days and nights of pain and earthly struggle are over. He was a warrior until the beginning- his new eternal beginning in a perfect body in perfect peace. Back in the nineties, I had the privilege of working directly with Richard and Ellen at their funeral home Rapp Funeral Services in Silver Spring. I was a divorced mother and was set on exploring my old ream of becoming a funeral director. Rapp's was my third random call on a list of funeral homes I called looking for a part-time position. The Rapp's were the only firm that took my call. In 24 hours- I was in their prep room and my life was on its destined trajectory. Richard and Ellen shaped and polished raw ore. They trained, guided, taught, and advised me- an unknown stranger in the skills, manners, customs, and practices of their industry. Thanks to Richard: I literally saw it all including the early days of the ravages of AIDS. Richard was truly fearless, supremely witty, and managed to remain incredibly funny! He was a matter-of-fact guy and didn't hold back on the special hardships of their business- the brutal hours, the relentless paperwork and regulations, the challenges of staffing, and management, the importance of professional presence, as well as keeping your perspective in the midst of tragedy, sickness, horror, and death. Most importantly Richard and Ellen demonstrated the beauty of extending Christian grace and dignity to each and every person they touched. I don't know if Richard ever knew the way he literally changed my life and the profound depth of learning he blessed me with. I pray he felt some level of pride and satisfaction that he was a fine teacher and friend. I hope he knew at some point that my successful funeral home and crematory start ups today sit on the ethical and technical foundations he and Ellen personally laid. I called Richard when I was contemplating opening our crematory. I knew there would be no proceeding without hearing his own assessment of the venture. I'm was so very blessed to get those candid and "Richard-esque" words of his wisdom which I recall to this day. I bid my teacher and mentor a hearty (and regretfully) belated farewell. I wish him endless sunny days full of music and great food and an eternity of all of God's greatest treasures and gifts. To Ellen- one of the strongest women of faith I have ever met- my whole heart and soul are praying for your comfort and my greatest desire is that the memories of your life with Richard get sharper, clearer, and sweeter with everyday that brings you closer to your promised reunion. All my love and sympathy, Courtney N. Gallop Founder/President/Licensed Funeral Director Gallop Funeral Services, Inc./Capital Crematory/ Gallop Memorial Chapel -Barco

✝️ To Ellen and the family- I have just read your annual Christmas correspondence and am just learning of Richard's homegoing. While I am saddened that the world has lost a generous, humorous, and truly unique soul I am rejoicing that his long days and nights of pain and earthly struggle are over. He was a warrior until the beginning- his new eternal beginning in a perfect body in perfect peace. Back in the nineties, I had the privilege of working directly with Richard and Ellen at their funeral home Rapp Funeral Services in Silver Spring. I was a divorced mother and was set on exploring my old ream of becoming a funeral director. Rapp's was my third random call on a list of funeral homes I called looking for a part-time position. The Rapp's were the only firm that took my call. In 24 hours- I was in their prep room and my life was on its destined trajectory. Richard and Ellen shaped and polished raw ore. They trained, guided, taught, and advised me- an unknown stranger in the skills, manners, customs, and practices of their industry. Thanks to Richard: I literally saw it all including the early days of the ravages of AIDS. Richard was truly fearless, supremely witty, and managed to remain incredibly funny! He was a matter-of-fact guy and didn't hold back on the special hardships of their business- the brutal hours, the relentless paperwork and regulations, the challenges of staffing, and management, the importance of professional presence, as well as keeping your perspective in the midst of tragedy, sickness, horror, and death. Most importantly Richard and Ellen demonstrated the beauty of extending Christian grace and dignity to each and every person they touched. I don't know if Richard ever knew the way he literally changed my life and the profound depth of learning he blessed me with. I pray he felt some level of pride and satisfaction that he was a fine teacher and friend. I hope he knew at some point that my successful funeral home and crematory start ups today sit on the ethical and technical foundations he and Ellen personally laid. I called Richard when I was contemplating opening our crematory. I knew there would be no proceeding without hearing his own assessment of the venture. I'm was so very blessed to get those candid and "Richard-esque" words of his wisdom which I recall to this day. I bid my teacher and mentor a hearty (and regretfully) belated farewell. I wish him endless sunny days full of music and great food and an eternity of all of God's greatest treasures and gifts. To Ellen- one of the strongest women of faith I have ever met- my whole heart and soul are praying for your comfort and my greatest desire is that the memories of your life with Richard get sharper, clearer, and sweeter with everyday that brings you closer to your promised reunion. All my love and sympathy, Courtney N. Gallop Founder/President/Licensed Funeral Director Gallop Funeral Services, Inc./Capital Crematory/ Gallop Memorial Chapel -Barco

To the family, It saddens me to hear of Richard's passing. May the joy, laughter, and love that he deposited in all of you, remind you that his spirit is forever with you. I pray that God will continue to strengthen and comfort you in the days ahead. I will always remember hearing him say, " Hi Neighbor" with so much joy that made a difference in my day. Peace & Love Francine

To the family, It saddens me to hear of Richard's passing. May the joy, laughter, and love that he deposited in all of you, remind you that his spirit is forever with you. I pray that God will continue to strengthen and comfort you in the days ahead. I will always remember hearing him say, " Hi Neighbor" with so much joy that made a difference in my day. Peace & Love Francine

You were well loved & will be missed.

You were well loved & will be missed.