Edward Crehan Rapp

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Hon. Edward C. Rapp, who departed this life on February 24, 2025 at the age of 92. He was born in 1932 in Pittsburgh, PA and was a proud graduate of Delbarton School in Morristown, NJ. His academic journey continued at St. Louis University, where he met the love of his life, Mary Joanne, in a French class. Their bond flourished and led to a loving marriage that spanned 68 wonderful years.

Ed furthered his education at Georgetown University Law School, where he distinguished himself as an editor of the law review. After earning his J.D., he practiced law in Phoenix, AZ at Tupper, Skeens, and Rapp, where he made significant contributions to the legal community and served on the Arizona State Bar Board of Governors. In 1974, he was elected as a Maricopa County Superior Court Judge, a role he held with honor and integrity until his retirement in 1994.

Prior to starting his legal career, Ed served on active duty at Yokota Air Force Base in Japan. His duties included analyzing U2 reconnaissance photos over Russia and China. As an attorney and judge, he exemplified his continuing dedication and service to our nation as a JAG Officer and a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

Ed played ice hockey in his early years on the frozen ponds at Delbarton and contributed to the formation of a youth hockey league in Arizona. He later became quite accomplished at racquetball and was a dedicated member of the “Early Birds” at the downtown Phoenix YMCA. He also enjoyed playing tennis and spent many summers on the courts at the Coronado Shores in California. He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and later the Arizona Diamondbacks. He had a sharp wit and a sense of humor that was contagious.

Ed’s Catholic faith guided him throughout his life, and he was an ardent supporter of the Cornerstone Center for Christian Meditation established by Joanne in 1998 (and located at the Franciscan Renewal Center).

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Edward J. and Catherine Rapp. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne, and their children: Edward (Sheri), Chris (Polly), Barbara, John (Cygnia), and Kevin (Kathy). He was a devoted grandfather to Travis (Alex), Garrett (Miranda), Brendan (Eleanor), Madeline and Francesca as well as a proud great-grandfather of Milana and three other great-grandchildren who will be born this year. Max, the family Shih Tzu, was the apple of his eye. Ed leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, strength, and humor that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A Memorial Mass and celebration of Ed’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Brophy Chapel, 4701 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley in his honor. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of those he touched.