LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Richard Rapp upon the occasion of
receiving the Muriel Neufeld Ethical Humanist Award from the Ethical
Humanist Society of Long Island on Sunday, February 14, 2010

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Richard Rapp has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Richard Rapp upon the occasion of receiving the Muriel Neufeld Ethical
Humanist Award on Sunday, February 14, 2010; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the awards ceremony, Richard Rapp's name will
be placed on the plaque to be forever displayed on the Ethical Humanist
Society wall; and
WHEREAS, This most prestigious accolade is presented to members of the
Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island who have devoted 25 years or
more to actively serving the Ethical Humanist Society; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Richard Rapp's commitment to
making the world a better place has formed his entire life; he believes
deeply that each person has a responsibility to speak up against injus-
tice; his life serves as a testament to this belief, which he continues
to live by; and
WHEREAS, Richard Rapp has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless endeavors on behalf of the Ethical Humanist Society
of Long Island and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Richard Rapp is the
son of Anne and Max Rapp; he graduated from James Madison High School
and attended City College of New York; and
WHEREAS, Music has always been a passion for Richard Rapp; he played
and taught the piano for many years and was involved in the music
publishing business, at one time working for Frank Sinatra; and
WHEREAS, Richard Rapp is a music composer and performer in his own
right; several of his songs were recorded and released on vinyl in the
1960s; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Richard Rapp has written songs, shows
and operas about subjects that he has cared deeply about, some of which
have been performed at the Ethical Culture Society as well as by local
schools and other organizations; and
WHEREAS, Richard Rapp joined the Ethical Culture Society of Long
Island in the late 1960s; since that time, he has served the Society in
many capacities and remained active in its every day affairs as well as
in helping assure its bright future; and
WHEREAS, Soon after joining the Ethical Culture Society of Long
Island, Richard Rapp was elected its President, an office he was re-e-
lected to and held six different times; as President, he was instru-
mental in advocating and securing the passage of legislation to help
allow the society to continue to provide services to its members at
large; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his service, a period of
constructive involvement, Richard Rapp has stood constant in dignity,
good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Richard Rapp's marriage to the late Paula Rapp was blessed
with two children, Sue Ellen and Lorraine Sophie; currently, he is
married to the wonderful Sybil Wanderman-Rapp; his wife of 32 years,

along with his children and six grandchildren, all feel privileged to be
a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Richard Rapp has displayed through-
out his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the wellbeing and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Richard Rapp upon the occasion of receiving the Muriel Neufeld
Ethical Humanist Award from the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island
on February 14, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard Rapp.