John M. Rapacz

John M. Rapacz, 82, of Santa Barbara, California passed away on August 31, 2025.

Born in St. Johnsville, New York, to John and Gladys Rapacz, John’s life was marked by compassion and a playful wit. He earned his undergraduate degree from Buffalo State College and went on to complete an MBA at the University at Buffalo. After working for various businesses in Buffalo, John made a bold and inspiring career change, pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Once he arrived in Santa Barbara, John never looked back. The year-round sunshine and ocean breeze became the backdrop to a life of outdoor activities and meaningful work. He dedicated his career to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, offering his expertise and empathy to organizations such as Devereux, St. Vincent’s, and the Tri-County Regional Center.

John’s love of sports began in childhood, attending basketball camp and traveling to Yankee and football games with his parents. That passion endured throughout his life – he was a devoted fan of the Clippers, Yankees, and Buffalo Bills, often found poring over the latest Bills draft statistics. Watching Bills games with his Santa Barbara friends was a highlight.

His creativity shone through in his whimsical “picturegrams,” witty and imaginative visual creations that he delighted in sharing with his family and friends. John’s playful spirit and kindness toward both people and animals created a lasting impression on everyone fortunate to know him.

John is survived by his wife, Corey and his sister, Carole.