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Michael Thomas Rapach

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | January 12, 2025

Michael Thomas Rapach, 71, of Cranberry Township, PA, formerly of Duquesne, died peacefully December 7, 2024, at his home in Cranberry Township. Born in Duquesne on September 21, 1953, he was the son of the late Michael and Constance (Kushnir) Rapach. He is survived by his brother Luke M. (Ronna) Rapach and nieces Natalie (Mack) Lobdell, Emily and Melanie Rapach, great nephew Jude Lobdell, aunt Joy Kushnir, cousin Bernard S. (Shay) Kushnir and many other cousins and extended family. He will be sadly missed by all.

Michael was a 1971 graduate of Duquesne High School. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and received his undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (Russian language) degree in 1975 and Master of Education degree in 1985. He was a proud member of the Phi Beta Kappa honorary society. He also received his gifted education certificate in1985.

Michael taught gifted education and languages at Waynesburg Central High School for 26 years and retired from teaching in 2011 as chair of the foreign language department. He had also previously taught in the Duquesne School District, in both substitute and full-time capacities upon college graduation. Some of his fondest teaching memories were the field trips that he took with his students. He always enjoyed hearing from his former students and kept in touch with many of them after his retirement.

Michael traveled extensively throughout the United States but particularly loved Williamsburg, Virginia. He cherished the many visits that he made there over the years. He loved history and reading non-fiction books and was well versed on a variety of historical events and people. He visited many of the Civil War battle grounds in various states in the east. He enjoyed spending time at the family reunions in North Park and talking with his cousins regularly. He also enjoyed watching the Steelers and attending an occasional game when in better health.

Per Michael’s request there will be no visitation and all services and burial will be private. The William S. Skovranko Memorial Home, Inc., Duquesne, PA is entrusted with all funeral arrangements. A celebration of life service and interment will be held in early spring. The Family wishes for donations to be made to the American Diabetes Foundation in his memory at www.diabetes.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Thomas Rapach, please visit our floral store.

Originally published January 12, 2025.

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