Vincent Rapini

Vincent U. Rapini Jr. passed away on Saturday January 18, 2025, at the age of 71. Beloved husband of cherished wife of almost 40 years, the late Patricia A. “Patti” Rapini, nee Ray; loving and encouraging father of Jennifer Rapini and Vincent S. (Laura) Rapini Sr.; affectionate grandfather to two grandsons, Vincent S. Rapini Jr. and Jack Rapini, with whom he loved to spend time; beloved brother to Ken (Nita) Rapini, Mel (Krista) Rapini, and Maria (Richard) Revels, nee Rapini, the siblings often sharing fond memories of growing up together; and treasured uncle to nieces and nephews. Vincent is also survived by many other relatives and dear frineds.

Vincent Jr. was born in St. Louis, bringing in the new year of 1954, to parents the late Vincent U. Sr. and the late Phyllis Ann, nee Sutphin, Rapini. Throughout his childhood and even into his adult life, Vincent Jr. remained a devoted son, often taking the time to help around the house and spend time with his beloved parents and siblings. He was a father figure to his younger sister and close with his brothers throughout his life. As he and his siblings continued to grow, so did Vincent’s love and bond with his siblings’ children. Vincent Jr. was a source of joy and connection for the entire family.

After starting a family of his own alongside his cherished wife and life partner, Patricia, a supportive caregiver even throughout an intense battle with cancer until her passing in 2017, Vincent Jr. was always supportive of his children and involved in their lives. He was loving, spending his free time taking the children to various sporting events and activities around town and even coached little league baseball for his kids. As they grew into adults, Vincent Jr. remained supportive of their interests, educational pursuits, and all endeavors.

Vincent Jr. was a lifelong church member of Evangelical Full Gospel Assembly Church and served on the board. He was also the Assistant Superintendent of Sunday Schools, his faith and love for his community evident.

Outside of his family and faith, which were such major aspects of his life, Vincent Jr.’s education and career were quite notable. He was an alumnus of Affton High School class of 1972 – inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2022—and went on to earn his Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1976. He made a notable career as a DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Dentistry, and 2021 MDA Distinguished Service Award winner. He was detail-oriented and tirelessly caring of his patients for almost 45 consecutive years, serving a variety of communities and remaining a beloved instructor and mentor to the students of SDM dental students.

Over the years, Vincent Jr. acquired a variety of hobbies and interests. And handful of which, in his quieter moments, included listening to classical music, playing violin, reading non-fiction, fly-fishing, and photography.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Evangelical Full Gospel Assembly Church or SIU School of Dental Medicine in Vincent Jr.’s honor.

Vincent Jr.’s visitation will be held on Wednesday January 22, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South County Chapel 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. His funeral will be held the following morning, January 23, at 10:00 a.m. at Evangelical Full Gospel Assembly Church with 1-hour visitation prior. Following his funeral, interment will take place in St. Paul Churchyard, alongside his beloved wife, the late Patricia.