Obituary for Scott Geoffrey Rapaport
Scott G. Rapaport at the age of 64 passed on December 28, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and two sons, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born June 19, 1954 in Bangor, Maine the son of A. David and Mildreth (Finn) Rapaport.
Scott had a passion for musical entertainment. Like many teens growing up in the sixties, Scott wanted to be a Beatle. He began his musical career at age 13 with a band named the Legitimate Excuse.Their first paid gig was for a middle school dance at Garland Street Junior High School. Music was his driving force. He performed with numerous bands during the course of his 50 year musical career including New Orleans based band Vince Vance and Valiants, St. Elmo’s Fire, Eastern Standard Trio, Jump City Social Club, 20th Century Band, Tzena! Tzena! and most recently the Souled Out Band. The list of local band members with whom Scott played is long and numerous. A community musician, he was an accompanist for musical productions in the greater Bangor area, as well as a member of the Bangor Band, and a valued jamming buddy.
Scott, a talented woodwinds player was also blessed with a knack for improvisation, a beautiful singing voice and was capable of playing many instruments. He maintained a lifestyle devoted to all forms of education and musical performance; joining several ensembles, as leader, a member or fan. He could blend or he could stand out. Harmony was his practice, in every sense of the word.
He had an intuition for opportunity, an ear for music, a mind for learning, a heart for healing, and a voice to share as a testament of his spirit.
Scott earned his Associates Degree in Musical Performance from the University of Maine at Augusta in 1981, a B.A. in Music Education from the University of Maine, Orono in 1983 and an M.Ed. in Community Counseling from the University of Maine, Orono in 1994. Scott studied Cantorial Music at Nev Shechter Jewish Theological Seminary in Jerusalem. In 1987 he began what would become a 30 year role leading High Holiday services with song and spirit as the Cantor for Etz Chaim Synagogue in Biddeford, Maine.
Despite his cross country tours and world travels, he settled back where his journey began, in Bangor, Maine. As he brought up his family, so too did he bring up the communities that surrounded. Mental health clients from all walks of life would come across his path, and rather than diverge, he dove in; meeting people on their level and maintaining relationships grounded in healing through hard knocks and shared truth.
A perpetual student and natural teacher, Scott had many interests. He was an avid reader, hypnotist, auctioneer, real estate agent, Hebrew School teacher, Cub Scout Leader and counselor. Scott was a dedicated family man who enjoyed hiking, biking, ice skating, walking along the ocean and vacationing with his family. His sense of humor was rich and ever-ready with a wit that would not quit. In addition to his musical career, Scott was a public school music teacher and Licensed Clinical Counselor. He worked for several local mental health agencies providing counseling services and helping many clients.
Like his father, Smilin’ Dave, Scott raised his family just blocks from where he grew up.
Scott is survived by his wife of 30 years, Patti Roy Rapaport, two sons; Sam and Ben, two sisters and brothers-in-law; Jayne and William Gandler and Susan and Henry Sacks; sister and brother-in-laws Karen and David Bond, Linda and Peter Reid, Dawn Closson and brother-in-law Paul Roy, Jr. and mother-in-law, Marie Roy; nieces Emily and Jayda, and nephews Ryan, Nathan, Evan and Ethan. He also leaves behind cousins, many bandmates, lifelong friends and a home full of musical instruments.
The Rapaport family thanks Beacon Hospice for their kindness and support during Scott’s final days as well as the physicians who helped to manage his care during his illness. In lieu of flowers, a musical scholarship fund has been created in his memory. Donations may be sent to Bangor School Department Scholarship Fund, 73 Harlow Street, Bangor, Maine or to a desired charity.
Scott’s closing gig will be 12 PM, Monday, December 31, 2018 at the Jewish Funeral Chapel located at 118 Center Street, Bangor, Maine followed by burial at Beth Israel Cemetery with a reception to follow at Beth Abraham Synagogue, 145 York Street, Bangor. Shiva will be observed at the Rapaport home, 102 Maple Street in Bangor. Calling hours are 2:00 - 5:00 and 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. Tuesday until sunset on Friday. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com
Scott had a passion for musical entertainment. Like many teens growing up in the sixties, Scott wanted to be a Beatle. He began his musical career at age 13 with a band named the Legitimate Excuse.Their first paid gig was for a middle school dance at Garland Street Junior High School. Music was his driving force. He performed with numerous bands during the course of his 50 year musical career including New Orleans based band Vince Vance and Valiants, St. Elmo’s Fire, Eastern Standard Trio, Jump City Social Club, 20th Century Band, Tzena! Tzena! and most recently the Souled Out Band. The list of local band members with whom Scott played is long and numerous. A community musician, he was an accompanist for musical productions in the greater Bangor area, as well as a member of the Bangor Band, and a valued jamming buddy.
Scott, a talented woodwinds player was also blessed with a knack for improvisation, a beautiful singing voice and was capable of playing many instruments. He maintained a lifestyle devoted to all forms of education and musical performance; joining several ensembles, as leader, a member or fan. He could blend or he could stand out. Harmony was his practice, in every sense of the word.
He had an intuition for opportunity, an ear for music, a mind for learning, a heart for healing, and a voice to share as a testament of his spirit.
Scott earned his Associates Degree in Musical Performance from the University of Maine at Augusta in 1981, a B.A. in Music Education from the University of Maine, Orono in 1983 and an M.Ed. in Community Counseling from the University of Maine, Orono in 1994. Scott studied Cantorial Music at Nev Shechter Jewish Theological Seminary in Jerusalem. In 1987 he began what would become a 30 year role leading High Holiday services with song and spirit as the Cantor for Etz Chaim Synagogue in Biddeford, Maine.
Despite his cross country tours and world travels, he settled back where his journey began, in Bangor, Maine. As he brought up his family, so too did he bring up the communities that surrounded. Mental health clients from all walks of life would come across his path, and rather than diverge, he dove in; meeting people on their level and maintaining relationships grounded in healing through hard knocks and shared truth.
A perpetual student and natural teacher, Scott had many interests. He was an avid reader, hypnotist, auctioneer, real estate agent, Hebrew School teacher, Cub Scout Leader and counselor. Scott was a dedicated family man who enjoyed hiking, biking, ice skating, walking along the ocean and vacationing with his family. His sense of humor was rich and ever-ready with a wit that would not quit. In addition to his musical career, Scott was a public school music teacher and Licensed Clinical Counselor. He worked for several local mental health agencies providing counseling services and helping many clients.
Like his father, Smilin’ Dave, Scott raised his family just blocks from where he grew up.
Scott is survived by his wife of 30 years, Patti Roy Rapaport, two sons; Sam and Ben, two sisters and brothers-in-law; Jayne and William Gandler and Susan and Henry Sacks; sister and brother-in-laws Karen and David Bond, Linda and Peter Reid, Dawn Closson and brother-in-law Paul Roy, Jr. and mother-in-law, Marie Roy; nieces Emily and Jayda, and nephews Ryan, Nathan, Evan and Ethan. He also leaves behind cousins, many bandmates, lifelong friends and a home full of musical instruments.
The Rapaport family thanks Beacon Hospice for their kindness and support during Scott’s final days as well as the physicians who helped to manage his care during his illness. In lieu of flowers, a musical scholarship fund has been created in his memory. Donations may be sent to Bangor School Department Scholarship Fund, 73 Harlow Street, Bangor, Maine or to a desired charity.
Scott’s closing gig will be 12 PM, Monday, December 31, 2018 at the Jewish Funeral Chapel located at 118 Center Street, Bangor, Maine followed by burial at Beth Israel Cemetery with a reception to follow at Beth Abraham Synagogue, 145 York Street, Bangor. Shiva will be observed at the Rapaport home, 102 Maple Street in Bangor. Calling hours are 2:00 - 5:00 and 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. Tuesday until sunset on Friday. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com