Fr. Gregory A. Rapisarda passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, after a six-month battle with cancer. Fr. Greg packed so much life into his 78 all-too-short years.

Gregory was born to Anthony and Carmela (nee Sodaro) Rapisarda on July 30, 1947.  He spent a happy Baltimore childhood attending St. Matthew's Elementary School in Northwood.   As a young man, he attended St. Charles Seminary for one year, and then went on to graduate from Loyola High School  in 1965.  He remained in touch with his fellow Dons throughout his life. He attended Towson State College where he met his wife Carol and then earned his law degree at the University of Baltimore.  He was inspired to practice law by his uncles Philip Rapisarda and Anselm Sodaro, Chief Judge of the Supreme Bench of Baltimore City, for whom he clerked during law school. As a member of the Maryland National Guard from 1967 to 1972,  Gregory was activated for both the Martin Luther King, Jr.,  riots in 1968, and the Vietnam protests at the University of Maryland in 1970.

Gregory was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1972. After moving to Bel Air, Maryland, in 1977,   Greg was appointed Assistant Harford County Attorney in 1981,  Harford County Attorney in 1987,  and Harford County Zoning Hearing Examiner. He was elected President of the Harford County Bar Association and Chamber of Commerce and served on the Maryland State Bar Association Board of Governors from 1990-1998. He also served as Attorney for the City of Aberdeen from 1987 to 2006. Throughout his legal career, he maintained his private law practice in Bel Air and other locations for 38 years serving multitudes of clients compassionately and professionally.

Gregory and Carol made a fantastic team over the course of their 36 years of marriage.  Greg's law practice would not have been as successful as it was without Carol's steadfast support.  She maintained his bookkeeping, helped keep the office organized, and often reminded him that it was appropriate for attorneys to charge legal fees.  Together, they raised four children whose full schedules included Sunday morning Masses at St. Margaret's, band concerts, lacrosse games, and large family gatherings with lots of lasagne. They lived out their faith through participation in their parish and in the interdenominational prayer group, New Life, where lifelong friendships were made.  With Carol's loving support, Gregory became a Permanent Deacon in 2003.

Greg's life took an unexpected and difficult turn when Carol passed away in 2006. When his grief allowed for future planning, Gregory discerned that God was calling him to the priesthood. He entered St. Mary's seminary in 2008, and was ordained a priest in 2010. He first served God's people at St. Louis Parish in Clarksville, and then at St. Luke's/Our Lady of Hope in Dundalk. One of his most rewarding ministries as a priest was in serving as a Chaplain at Johns Hopkins Bayview.  Even as a retired priest, Fr. Greg continued to say Mass at various local parishes.

Perhaps the most blessed people in Fr. Greg's life were the ones who called him Pop-Pop. From bike rides to Iron Birds games to tea parties, Fr. Greg enjoyed his ten grandchildren who range in age from three to twenty-eight years old. He will always be remembered for jamming on his guitar,  showing up with donuts on a Saturday morning, coordinating cooking contests, and treating to a dinner out  at a moment's notice.

Fr. Greg was predeceased by his beloved wife Carol,  beloved sister Marie Benney, his brothers-in-law Joseph C. Orlando and James Grimm, and his nephew Joseph A. Orlando. Fr. Greg is survived by his four beloved children Gina Fritz (John), Greg (Lisa), Fr. John, and Joanna Herrera (Edward), and ten grandchildren Caroline Ryan (Eric), Leah, and Jonathan Fritz; Jack and William Rapisarda; and Maximilian, Lucy, Grace, Leo, and Teresa Herrera. Fr. Greg is also survived by his sister Dolores Orlando (nee Rapisarda) and his  sisters-in-law Gail Murray (John) and Vicky Wilson (Mark), along with their beautiful families.  Fr. Greg is survived by his cousins Don, Frank, and Mike Rapisarda, whom he loved as brothers; and many, many other cousins and dear friends including Anne Prouse, Mary Frances Sodaro, Gloria Wilson, Michael Sodaro, Joanne Seward, Mel Benney, Rosina Vanek,  Fr. Jim Farmer, Fr. Sal Livigni, and Fr. Paul Henry.

Fr. Greg will be remembered for his boundless energy and his unlimited generosity. He said yes to God as a husband and father and answered God's call to serve in the priesthood.   He always made himself available to console a grieving family or provide shelter for a friend without a home. He was a true example of the love of Jesus.

Viewings will be held at Ruck Funeral Home in Towson on Thursday, 12/18, from 6-8 p.m. and on Friday, 12/19, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. (there will be a Wake Service at 7pm on Friday). On Saturday, 12/20, Fr. Greg will lie in State at St. Margaret Parish in Bel Air, from 10-11 a.m. A funeral Mass will then be offered at 11 a.m. Burial at Bel Air Memorial Gardens will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Office for Vocations.