Born in Savannah Georgia in the winter of 1954, Dana displayed his above average intelligence from his earliest days of grade school. And while he excelled in all subjects, it was nature and the arts that captured his imagination and fueled his lifelong fire for learning.

He was a voracious reader, and the written word was his lifelong passion, and sometimes  vocation. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan and for a time taught English literature there.

Throughout his life he engaged in a variety of hobbies and interests, including  photography, botany, astronomy, gardening, astrology, Shakespeare, Classical Music, Tarot, and of course origami (anyone who knew him received a plethora of his handmade creations). But most important to him was the enrichment of his spirit, and the spirits of those he held dear.

Later in life he immersed himself into a spiritual discovery, a journey that fundamentally shaped his outlook on life. He believed that what comes after death is a new, exciting journey; his loved ones take comfort knowing he is learning secrets that elude us in life.

He was preceased by his father Angelo Rapisardi who passed away in 1988. He leaves behind: his beloved mother, Peggy Rapisardi of Kearny, NJ; his devoted brother Dean Rapisardi and beloved sister in law Nancy Nicaretta Rapisardi of Belleville, NJ; his most cherished niece Ellis Rapisardi of Brooklyn, NY; his most beloved aunt Francis Piromalli of Lyndhurst,NJ; his lifelong friend and soulmate, Margaret Aldridge Searing of Plattsburgh, NY; dozens and dozens of multi-generational layers of cousins in New Jersey, Georgia, California, and Florida; and countless friends and acquaintances all of whom had their lives enriched by his gifts, his creations, his words, his compassion, his wisdom and his very presence. For all this, and much more, he will be greatly missed.

Visiting Tuesday 12/28/21 from 5-7PM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Cremation will be private.