Myron Rapaport Obituary

RAPAPORT-Myron Stanley, devoted husband, father, grandfather, yacht designer, and lifelong craftsman, passed away on March 26, 2026, at the age of 92.

Myron was born on January 5, 1934, in the Bronx, New York, to Irving S. Rapaport and Stella Rapaport, née Fread. Raised in the close-knit Rose Hill community and surrounded by extended family, he developed early the devotion to tradition, connection, and home that defined his life. He attended New York University and carried throughout his years a spirit of curiosity, resilience, and creativity.

Myron was devoted to his wife, Barbara Cohen Rapaport, with whom he shared 44 years of love, partnership, laughter, and adventure. Together they built a life marked by companionship, warmth, and love.

Myron's professional life reflected both practical skill and inventive vision. He began his career at Sparkman & Stephens, where he designed custom powerboats and sailboats, including America's Cup II, which won the 1964 race. During his time there, he also earned four patents for inventions developed through his work. He later owned and operated Mystan Marina in Jupiter, Florida. Throughout his career, he brought a keen eye for design and a lasting appreciation for craftsmanship, especially in boats and life on the water.

From childhood on, Myron loved working with his hands. Encouraged by his mother, he became a gifted woodworker and metalworker whose workshop was the center of countless projects over the years: toys for his grandchildren and friends, sculptures, household improvements, furniture, and practical inventions. He was also passionate about trains, eventually building live steam engines and becoming active with the Adirondack Live Steamers.

Myron especially loved Lake George, where he spent many of his happiest years. An avid boater, sailor, and waterskier, he found both joy and peace on the water. He admired classic wooden boats and elegant sailboat design, and no marina was ever simply a stopping place; it was somewhere to explore, observe, and learn. Committed to seamanship, he achieved the rank of JN in the United States Power Squadrons.

Myron loved to travel and was always eager to see more of the world. He shared that spirit with his family through journeys to Europe, India, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, and Jordan, where he even rode camels. Family summers included cross-country trips in an Airstream, with one summer devoted to touring 27 states. He was also an avid photographer and lover of nature. He enjoyed apple pie, chocolate ice cream, the color blue, and the straightforward spirit that earned him the family nickname "No Frills Rapaport."

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Cohen Rapaport; his beloved children, Marc (Allison) Rapaport, Mason (Amy) Rapaport, Peggy (Adam) Goldblatt, Robin (Brad) Roberts, and Jonathan (Krystina) Goldberg; and his cherished grandchildren, Zoli, Emily, Ilana, Talia, Romy, Jaime, and Alex. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Robert D. Rapaport.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend graveside services on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Roosevelt Memorial Park. The family will gather following the interment at Brookside Manor, 50 Bustleton Pike, Feasterville, Pennsylvania.

Shiva will be observed in New York City.

A memorial service will take place locally at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Myron's memory to a charity of one's choice.