Fredric "Tom" Thomas Rapp, Sr.

Fredric Thomas (Tom) Rapp, Sr. of Las Cruces, New Mexico, born November 4, 1942, in Syracuse, New York, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, at the age of 82.

As a descendant of the William Wallace (Braveheart) lineage and Thomas Mayhew, the Elder, first governor of Martha's Vineyard, Tom's life was one most lived. Hustling his way through every state in the country, his paintings were magnificent; his glass etchings were breathtaking; his inventions, like the first walking doll, changed the world; and his pastor sermons were heard across the US. He might have served alongside your grandfather in the Navy, or you may even be wearing gold he mined with equipment he designed himself. His certainly was a life most lived.

Beloved son of the late Vincent H. and Jeanette M. Rapp; he is survived by his 3 children, Fredric Rapp, Jr., Diana Montclair, Michelle Andrus; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings, Patricia Seewald, Donald (Ann) Rapp, Suzanne Kovach; nieces and nephews; and his dear friends Brenda Soriano and Eva Northcliff whose love and companionship greatly enhanced his final decade.

Known as a genius before his time, Tom (Fred) will be greatly missed.