David A. Rapp,
Died: September 3, 2022
DOVER - David A. Rapp passed away unexpectedly at a rehabilitation center on September 3, 2022, from complications of an injury that took place on August 20. Born June 5, 1954, in Washington, D.C., David was the son of Paul H. Rapp and Rita DeCaesar Rapp of Silver Spring, MD. He was a graduate of Springbrook High School in Silver Spring, MD, and the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Animal Science and an M.S. in Food Science in 1977.
After graduation, David began his career as a research food chemist at General Foods Corp. in Dover, DE, where he worked on the development of new products and line extensions for Good Seasons Salad Dressings and Stove Top Stuffing Mix. He was instrumental in the development of Stove Top's signature turkey flavor. In 1984, David accepted the position of Research and Quality Control Director of Old Salt Seafood in Easton, MD, where he led new product development efforts for several products, including premium crab cakes and breaded clam strips. As chief of quality control, he managed the department and developed company-wide processing and finished product specifications. In 1987 with a strong desire for entrepreneurship, David started a food wholesale business, Dover Distributing Company, and sold several well-known brands, including Pepperidge Farm and Martin Potato Rolls, to major grocery stores and restaurants. After almost 20 years, David sold the business and accepted a position with the State of Delaware Division of Public Health as an environmental health specialist. David retired in 2016 and worked part-time as a food safety consultant for a statewide restaurant group and a casino. He enjoyed traveling and selling antiques and collectibles at the Old Screen Door in Lewes, DE.
David was a caring and devoted husband and father. He was a charismatic and loyal man, who always went out of his way to chat with friends.
His family was greatly influenced by his extensive knowledge of history and science. He was extremely well-read and shared his wealth of knowledge with his wife and sons, often out-scoring them when watching Jeopardy on tv. David valued education and was formative in his sons' intellectual curiosity and drive to pursue higher education.
David's compassion for animals was apparent throughout his life – from working as a veterinarian tech in his teens to creating backyard habitats for birds and wildlife and adopting numerous stray cats over the years.
David is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Melanie Hoff Rapp, of Dover, and their two sons, Andrew C. Rapp of New York, N.Y., and Nicholas D. Rapp, M.D. of Morristown, New Jersey. He will be sadly missed by his father, Paul H. Rapp of Silver Spring, MD, sister, Susan Zinn of Parker, CO, brother, James Rapp of Poolesville, MD, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rita DeCaesar Rapp, and his sister, Martha Rapp Beavers.
Funeral services were held for the immediate family, with interment at Barratt's Chapel in Frederica, DE. A Celebration of Life honoring David will be held at a later date.
Those wishing to honor David's memory may donate to the First State Animal Center and SPCA at 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19934, or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at https://www.lls.org.