Los Angeles-Ventura County CA Archives Obituaries.....Rapar, John March 4, 2007
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Peggy Hooper peggyhooper@charter.net March 17, 2007, 10:15 am

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
John Rapar, November 7, 1921, the son of Slovenian immigrants, died March 4, 
2007 after a long illness. John was preceded in death by his wife, Rose, of 
over 50 years. John was a Diamond Bar pioneer resident since 1961. He lived a 
very full life of 85 years and his accomplishments are many. A Korean War 
Veteran Marine pilot, he continued his military service as a Marine Air Corps 
reservist, retiring with t he rank of Major. His studies at Ohio University 
led to several science degrees which he used to become a scientist at Jet 
Propulsion Laboratories, retiring just six years ago. His specialties were in 
rocket fuels and his work enabled NSAS to send spacecraft to Venus, Mars, 
Mercury and points beyond. John was also an author, penning over a dozen works 
of short stories, involving his entertaining daily life and experiences. As a 
private pilot, he enjoyed terrifying those who would accept his invitations 
of "a little aerobatics" well into his late seventies. In his twilight years, 
he spent the majority of his free time working with the SNPJ (a Slovenian 
organization) and is still listed as the Vice President of SUNKIST 723 lodge 
in Fontana, CA. His favorite activity was Polka Dancing where he would dance 
till the accordions went silent. He also enjoyed tending to his fruit trees 
where the most delicious oranges would be enjoyed by those fortunate to visit. 
John is survived by his three children, John A. Re par of Union City, CA; 
Rebecca A. Donofrio of Santa Cruz, CA and Joseph M. Repar of Gig Harbor, WA. 
He has six grandchildren an was looking forward to a soon-to-be great-
grandchild. He leaves behind his second wife, Virginia "Liptak" Repar; brother 
Frank and sister Mary, along with a lifetime of friends and relatives 
fortunate enough to have known this remarkable man. Services for John are 
being held at St. Denis Catholic Church in Diamond, March 8, 2007, with his 
burial at Green Acres Memorial Park in B loomington, amongst his many 
Slovenian friends. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in 
John's name to CHOICESS (Community Housing Options: Integrated Community 
Employment and Social Services) at 135 E. Live Oak Ave., Arcadia, CA 91780, an 
organization co-founded in 1988 by Joe and Rebecca Donofrio (John's daughter) 
that provides services to people with developmental disablilites or to the 
SNPJ Slovene Hall at 8425 Cypress Ave., Fontana, CA 92335-3433. Queen of 
Heaven Mortuary entru sted with arrangements, (626) 964-1291.  
Published in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on 3/8/2007. 


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