William L. Rapposelli, Sr.

William L. Rapposelli, Sr., 88, of Wilmington, Delaware passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 11, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Perryville, Maryland on February 11, 1937, he was the son of the late Dominic and Theresa (Dandreamatteo) Rapposelli. Bill was a 1956 graduate of Perryville High School where he was President of his Senior Class. In 1957, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, California for four and a half years and was honorably discharged in 1962.  Immediately following, he began his career as an aircraft technician with Atlantic Aviation Corporation and retired in 1999 after 37 years of dedicated service. 

As one of seven children born to hard working Italian immigrants from Abruzzi Italy, Bill was immensely proud of his Italian heritage.  To Bill, it was always about family and he made them his top priority.  He was a beloved husband, an amazing father, and an incredible grandfather.  Bill was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren and was a mentor to them throughout his life.  He was an avid gardener and took great pride in cultivating a variety of vegetables.  Bill also possessed a great talent for home improvement projects, both for his home as well as for family and friends.  He and his wife, Ann, loved traveling and were privileged to visit many destinations in the United States and Europe.  Bill also looked forward to his yearly family trips to the Jersey Shore. He also enjoyed woodworking, listening to music (especially the 50’s), model railroading, puzzles, and photography.

Bill will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 62 years, Ann (Patone) Rapposelli; his children, William Rapposelli, Jr. and wife, Sherri; Elizabeth Pepeta and husband, Francis, Jr.; his grandchildren, Andrew Pepeta, Maria Rapposelli and husband, Kyle Manzolillo, Annmarie Pepeta, and Nicholas Rapposelli.  In addition, he is survived by his sister, Edna Ballard; his sisters-in-law, Ida Rapposelli and Mary Ann Rapposelli; his brother-in-law, Francis Patone and wife, Diane; and many nephews and nieces.

Bill was predeceased by his brothers, Sterling Rapposelli, Sr., Silvestro Rapposelli and wife, Helen, his twin brother, Rocci Rapposelli; his sisters, Agnes Sellare and husband, Frank, Mary Dennis and husband, James; his sister-in-law, Nicoletta Giofre and husband, Joseph.

Family and friends are invited to visit at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington on Wednesday, August 20 from 10:30AM – 12:00PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:15PM, immediately followed by entombment at All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.

For the excellent care that he received from the nurses and staff of Bayada Hospice and in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill may be made to Bayada Hospice, 4250 Lancaster Pike, Suite 308, Wilmington, DE 19805 (https://www.bayada.com).

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