Wilbur R. Rapela

Feb. 19, 1918 - Nov. 14, 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

South Bend Tribune 11/20/1998

Sources: Ancestry.com and FindAGrave.com

01/20/2026 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/79978659/wilbur_r-rapela