Joseph A. Rapone, longtime Philadelphia police officer

Joseph A. Rapone, 75, a Philadelphia police officer for nearly 30 years who retired as inspector of the South Police Division before serving as chief of staff for State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo for 10 years, died Monday of cancer at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He lived in East Falls.

"Joe was an absolutely terrific chief of staff for me, but more importantly, he was a wonderful and caring person whom I always considered a friend," Fumo (D., Phila.) said yesterday.

Mr. Rapone was raised in Fairmount and graduated from Roman Catholic High School in 1950. He married Mary O'Connor in 1953 while he was a paratrooper in the Army. After being discharged, he joined the Police Department in 1956, beginning a long tradition of public service in his family. His son Tony, three cousins, and a brother-in-law were Philadelphia police officers.

"We are a family of police officers and public servants," said his daughter, Kathy, who works in Municipal Court. "My father loved Philadelphia and believed being a policeman was an admirable profession. He taught us to give 100 percent to the citizens we serve."

Mr. Rapone carried on his mother's tradition of preparing an enormous Italian meal every Sunday. He made fresh pasta and gravy and baked bread for his extended family.

"I spent many Sundays at his table," said a nephew, U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy (D., Pa.). "My uncle was an honorable man who I wanted to emulate. I followed in his footsteps as an Army paratrooper and as a public servant."

Mr. Rapone was loved by many police officers during his long career.

"I was lucky enough to work under Joe twice," said Michael Lutz, former head of the state Fraternal Order of Police. "He was caring enough to listen, concerned enough to act, and committed enough to follow through. He was successful and brought honor to our profession."

After retiring in 1983, Mr. Rapone worked for Fumo until retiring for good in 1997.

He then devoted more time to his passion for golf. He was a member of the Flourtown Country Club and played every chance he got.

"My father gave many golf lessons to me, nephews, cousins and friends and always watched over the family like the eagle he was," Tony Rapone said.

In addition to his wife, daughter and son, Mr. Rapone is survived by another son, Michael; three grandsons; a brother; and two sisters.

Friends may visit at 7 tonight and at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow at McIlvaine Funeral Home, 3711 Midvale Ave., East Falls. A Funeral Mass will follow at St. Bridget Roman Catholic Church, 3667 Midvale Ave. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Donations may be made to the church's memorial fund.