1964 - 2025
Born in Norwood on July 30, 1964, Jill was the daughter of Nancy (Crandall) Rappa of Franklin and the late Robert J. Rappa. She was a lifelong resident of Franklin and deeply connected to the community she called home.
Jill was a graduate of Franklin High School, Class of 1983, and went on to earn her degree from Massachusetts Bay Community College in 1985. She worked for many years as a secretary, including positions at Pike and Krepple in Natick, Keefe Insurance Agency in Franklin, and Tri-County Vocational Technical School in Franklin, where she was known for her dedication and reliability.
In addition to her mother, Jill is survived by her daughter, Sarah E. Rappa of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, who was the center of her world. She also leaves behind her siblings: Lori Rodriguez and her husband Luis of Lynbrook, New York; Jodi Kanadanian of Franklin; Kristen Gazzola and her husband Marc of Franklin; and Rob Rappa and his wife Susan of Franklin. She was the sister of the late Leslie Rappa. Jill is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jill had a love for sports and was an avid fan of the New England Patriots, even working part-time for Team Ops at Gillette Stadium. She also found great joy in simple pleasures, especially playing Bingo at the Franklin Senior Center and at St. Patrick’s Nursing Home, and she was famously tough to beat at Gin Rummy, a game she truly mastered.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 13, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 12, from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street, Franklin (ginleyfuneralhomes.com).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jill’s memory to the Franklin Senior Center.
