Obituaries
Ira David Rappaport, 68
April 10, 2017
Dr. Ira David Rappaport died peacefully at his home in Lancaster, PA on April 10, 2017 at the age of 68.
Ira is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart, Michelle; his children, Craig (married to Lori) Rappaport of Simsbury, CT and Meredith (Rappaport) Berrier of Lancaster; his sister, Pam (married to Larry) Maxon of New Hampton, NY; and three grandchildren, Avery and Austin Rappaport and Caroline Berrier.
Ira was born in Brooklyn, NY to Milton and Estelle (Gorman) Rappaport. Ira grew up in Bethpage, Long Island where he was a member of the Bethpage High School golf team. Ira was always proud to share that his home golf course was Bethpage Black, which has hosted the U.S. Open. He graduated from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1970 and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1974.
As owner of Lanchester Dental Associates in Christiana, PA, Ira served as dentist to generations of families and many patients who enjoyed his incredible sense of humor and gentle manner.
Ira’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. His face would light up with a huge smile whenever he was around any of his three grandchildren. Ira loved telling jokes and making people laugh. That sense of humor never left him. He continued to make his family laugh with his jokes even in the final days of his life. While he will be greatly missed by all who knew him, his family is comforted by the time that was spent with him in the final week of his life.
The family would like to thank all the caregivers, especially those at Hospice and Central Penn Nursing, for their care and dedication to Ira.
No funeral is scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice and Community Care www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
May 24, 2017
Alway’s remember Ira as just a real nice person. My condolence’s to Ira’s family. May you rest in peace in the arms of the Lord. Until we meet again, God bless you brother.
Jim Carter
May 24, 2017
Alway’s remember Ira as just a real nice person. My condolence’s to Ira’s family. May you rest in peace in the arms of the Lord. Until we meet again, God bless you brother.
May 23, 2017
Sorry to hear of Ira’s passing. Our condolences to his family.
Ellen O’Rourke Zucker & Charlie Zucker BHS ’66
May 23, 2017
I’m so sorry to hear of Ira’s passing. We went to BHS together. He was a great guy, always laughing and smiling. He was fair and kind to everyone. I never heard him say a harsh word. My prayers are with you now and in the days ahead. Ellen Burkholder Conti
May 23, 2017
So sorry to hear of Ira’s passing – my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Paula Mahoney (BHS)
May 23, 2017
Dear Michelle and family, I am so sorry to hear of Ira’s passing. I went to Bethpage High as well, and graduated in his class. I remember him as a very nice and pleasant person. I’m grateful to have this opportunity to comment and have you know we, his classmates, are thinking of him. I hope you’ll find comfort, Jacqueline Walker Ray
April 21, 2017
I want to send Michelle and all the Rappaport’s my deepest condolences. I’ve known Ira since the 1st Grade, and I can tell you he was a special friend. he truely will be missed.
Paul Stiefel
April 21, 2017
Ira was truely a nice person, always thinking of others first. I feel proud to have been able to call him my friend my entire life. I think back at all the adventures we had together, and a smile comes to my face. He will be very missed.
April 20, 2017
It is hard to put in writing what Ira meant to me growing together in Bethpage. We were best friends till I moved in 11th grade – Ira lived across the street at 65 Keswick Lane and myself at 64 Keswick. We did cub scouts, boy scouts, shared a tent at Camp Wauwepax, little league, endured hebrew school, the Bar Mitzvah circuit, trading baseball cards, , snowball fights, shooting pool and golf. Many a baseball game at the park next to our houses.We did Kramer Lane with our safety patrol on up to high school being in the same classes. Because there were two us, the gang of friends always hung at our homes. Scott, Cliff, Mike,Jackie, Peter, Carl, Paul, Bob were all part of our wondeful childhood. Ira always kept his New York humor, his fierce dedication to his family. We were born in the same hospital in Brooklyn and our birthdays were 3 days apart. I would call him on his birthday. Ira always kept his New york humor and his fierce dedication to his family. When I would call he always shared how proud he was of his children, grandchildren and Michelle. I will miss him dearly
Stuart Novick
April 19, 2017
Ira was one of my best friends growing up together in Bethpage since the first grade. His home was a gathering place for a lot of friends when we were young. I was glad I had the opportunity to talk to him a few weeks before he passed. He grew up to be an accomplished person and a family man. My condolences to Michelle and his children.
Sam Maller
April 18, 2017
We wanted to send our thoughts and prayers to you ! Dr. Rappaport was our dentist for many many years. He will always be remembered for His gentleness and kindness. Jim and Linda Mast
April 18, 2017
To Michelle and family. I just found out about Ira’s death and want to send my sincere sympathies for your loss. I enjoyed serving you at the Eden and have fond memories of Ira and your family. My prayers are with you.
Sidney W Jeffrey
(Eden Resort Server)
April 17, 2017
I’m so sorry to hear of Dr. Rappaport’s passing. I and my daughter went to him for many many years. He was just the best and kindest dentist and person ever. God bless him and his family!
Debbie and Stephanie Helms
April 16, 2017
I am sad to see his passing. Dr. R. Was one of the sweetest & loving employers anyone will ever know. Because of him I had a wonderful 23 years of being his employee. Still today I use his values Family always came first and because of that I have never hated my job. I will always appreciate his love, concern, dedication to me, he treated me like a daughter! I will always miss him.
Lori Beals
April 16, 2017
Michelle and family,condolences and peace be with you.
Betty & Carl Fox
April 13, 2017
Condolences, Meredith, to you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in all the happy memories of your Dad. Hollie and Joe DeFilippo
April 13, 2017
Craig so sorry for your loss. Will never forget your parents and the support they provided you and your sister. Your dad was a class act . He will be remembered fondly by many. John & Linda
April 13, 2017
Craig and family. So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. All God’s blessings. Tom Delle Donne
