Submitted by: Dan Rich
Wilbur R. Rapela
Feb. 19, 1918 - Nov. 14, 1998
South Bend Tribune 11/20/1998
Wilbur R. Rapela, 80, of North Huey
Street in South Bend, Ind., passed away on Saturday, Nov. 14, in
his home. Mr. Rapela was born on Feb. 19, 1918, to Anthony and
Stella (Hojnacki) Rapela, and had been a lifelong
resident. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters,
Lillian Janowski, Wanda Dixon and Sophia Kanouse;
and by a brother, Gene Rapela. Mr. Rapela retired from the Bendix
Corporation in 1975 after 38 years of service. He was a member of
Bendix Union #9, and was a World War II Navy veteran. Mr. Rapela
is survived by two nieces, Charlotte Manuszak and Barbara VanGilder;
and by two nephews, James Kanouse and Fred Kanouse.
Cremation has taken place. Burial of Mr. Rapela's ashes will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, in St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 23, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637-3437.