Robert Rapant

Schenectady, NY. Robert Rapant, age 88 passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 25,2025. born in Rotterdam, NY, he was the son of the late Frank and Mary (Toman) Rapant. Robert spent his formative years in the Rotterdam area and embarked on a life of travel and adventure, exploring places such as California, Wyoming, and Saudi Arabia while working as a civil engineer. Ultimately, he settled with his beloved wife of 65 years, the Late Madeline (Mestyan) Rapant, at their lake house on the shores of Duane Lake in Duanesburg. Robert, affectionately known as Bob, was a true outdoorsman with a deep love and appreciation for the mountains. He was an avid canoeist, fisherman, hunter, and explorer of the Adirondacks, sharing countless cherished weekends with Mad at their camp in Newcomb, NY. Bob is survived by his daughter, Kimberly LaBelle (Thomas), of Duanesburg; his son, Robert Rapant Jr., of Massachusetts; and his three grandchildren; Hayden LaBelle (Olivia) of Ballston Spa, Harrison Rapant (Shelby) of North Carolina, and Samantha Rapant of Colorado. Bob was predeceased by his brothers Frank Rapant Jr, Ferdinand Rapant and his sister Carolyn Smith.  Bob is also predeceased by numerous four-legged companions that he loved dearly, including his yellow labs Buford and Brutus. Bob was known for his sense of humor, kind and soft-spoken nature, his captivating travel stories, and his ability to forge friendships wherever he went. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Services are private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the Newcomb Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, 5635 NY-28N, Newcomb, NY 12852.

Family and friends are invited to share on-line condolences and memories at WhiteVanBurenFuneralHome.com.