Obituary of Philip Steve Rapitta

RAPITTA, Philip Steve April 4, 1931 – January 3, 2017 We sadly announce Phil’s peaceful passing at the age of 85, on January 3 at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary (2005) Loving father to Allison Keravica and the late Andrea Rapitta. Father-in-law to Gradimir Keravica, Special G-pa to Katherine (Anthony Baboth), Bogdan and Evan. Great-grandfather to Gabriel. Phil will be missed by his special friend, Barb Mihowich. He is survived by his brothers Valentine (Eileen), Randy (Carmen), Raymond, and brother-in-law Larry Wood. Also survived by his sisters Shirley (Roger) Thevenot, Doreen Gogal, Georgina (Ken) Moreau, Bonnie (Erling) Madsen and sister-in-law Marie Rapitta. Phil is predeceased by brothers Ted, Bill, Len and sisters Betty Lamont and Dianne Wood. Also predeceased by brother-in-law Eugene Gogal and sister-in-law Linda Rapitta. Phil was the eldest in a family of 13 and was loved and respected by all his siblings. At the age of 18, he left his prairie home in Kipling, Saskatchewan to make a life for himself in Hamilton. Phil was proud of his 40 year career at Dofasco in the transportation department as Head Shift Yardmaster. He loved gardening and was well-known for his Jet Star tomatoes. Family and friends will be received at the Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Ave Drive, Stoney Creek on Sunday, Jan 8 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Vigil prayers Sunday at 3:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 304 Hwy #8 Stoney Creek, on Monday, January 9th at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Our Lady of the Angels Cemetery, 681 Mud St, Stoney Creek. A heartfelt thanks to the Community agencies and the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice for all the care that Phil received. If desired, donations to Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice, 277 Stone Church Rd E, Hamilton, L9B 1B1 or charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Notes of sympathy and condolence may be left at www.donaldvbrown.ca