Mr. Franklin Grover Rappold, 96, well-known antique furniture dealer of Frederick, MD, passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2010. He was the husband of Eleanor Louise Loos Rappold, his wife of 73 years.
Born March 1, 1914 in Baltimore, MD, he was the eldest of three children of Grace Spickerman Rappold and Howard Franklin Rappold. He was a devoted family man and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all his extended family. He was a graduate of Catonsville High School, class of 1932, where he met his wife, Eleanor. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Frederick, MD. Mr. Rappold taught himself to play the organ and piano at an early age, and loved to create music with his wife, Eleanor, who played in unison on the piano.
Mr. Rappold enjoyed a life-long career as a well-known antiques dealer and cabinet maker, dealing in 18
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Century Fine American Period Furniture. His love and craftsmanship for 18
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Century furniture started as a teenager in Baltimore and eventually he owned his own shops in Baltimore County, New Market, and Frederick. He and Eleanor made many trips throughout the east coast seeking rare antiques pieces. Mr. Rappold helped make many improvements through the Antique Dealer’s Association in the town of New Market during the 60’s and 70’s. During WWII, Mr. Rappold worked at Glenn L. Martin Company building and testing precision wind tunnels for aircraft used in the war effort. He is also known for his gift of hand-crafting beautiful reproduction furniture. A photograph collection of many of his antique pieces from his showrooms and reproductions he made during his career is currently on display at the C. Burr Artz Public Library in the Maryland Room, Frederick MD. Mr. Rappold continued working, never entering full retirement, and creating beautiful reproduction furniture until he was 92 years old.
He enjoyed tennis and playing bridge, and was extraordinarily creative and inventive in building or fixing anything that needed a solution. His zeal and love for life inspired all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Carol L. Dean and husband, Robert of Easley, SC; John D. Rappold and wife Sallie of Grasonville, MD; Thomas F. Rappold and wife, Alicia of Bel Air, MD; and Mary R. Zaks and husband, Chaim of Frederick. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Michael P. Dean and wife Sally of Easley, SC; Matthew L. Rappold and wife Arlene of Mission, SD; Beth Van Derslice and husband Kurt of New York City; Joseph T. Rappold and wife Dawn of Charlotte, NC; Robert D. Hoff and fiancé Chrissy Corvelli of Frederick; and Maryrose C. Rappold and friend Christopher G. W. Gray of Los Angeles;
seven great-grandchildren, Aron Krampf, Kevin Krampf, Patrick Mullineaux, Kari Dean, Brandon Dean, and Joshua Dean, Hope Walter; future great-grandson, Trent Rappold, a sister, Margaret Damast of Clermont, FL; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Loos of Pawley’s Island, SC; nieces, Joyce Bergh and husband George, Sharon Pettit and husband Rob, Ruth Dalpee and husband Mike; nephew Timothy Rappold and wife Katie; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He will be deeply missed by many special friends he made throughout his life.
Mr. Rappold was predeceased by a brother, Daniel A. Rappold; nephew, Charles Damast; niece, Suzie Smith; grandchild, Betsy Dean; and son-in-law, Phillip Hoff; brothers-in-law, Phillip Damast and John F. Loos, Jr.; and sister-in-law, Kathleen Rappold.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in his name to the Homewood Retirement Centers, P.O. Box 250, Williamsport, MD 21795-8250 or Trinity United Methodist Church, 703 W. Patrick St., Frederick, MD 21701.
The family will receive visitors on Monday, Sept. 27, from 3-5 PM and 7-9 PM at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD. Another visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 10:55 AM on Tuesday, September 28
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at Trinity United Methodist Church 703 W. Patrick St., Frederick, Md., with the funeral service immediately following at 11:00 AM at the church. Pastor Lynn Wilson and Chaplain Esther Ziegler will co-officiate. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frederick. All are invited to a reception/lunch at Trinity United Methodist Church immediately following burial.