Remembering Galveston's Own Barney Rapp: A Legacy of Family, Sports, and Real Estate

Bernard James “Barney” Rapp, a husband, father, and grandfather, died on March 8, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Barney was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma in April 2009. He joined a clinical trial that managed his disease for 13 years until a relapse in 2022. Despite this, Barney continued his battle with new medications. He was proud that the drug from his trial, now FDA-approved, is helping other lymphoma and leukemia patients.

Barney was born on October 30, 1947, in Galveston, Texas, as the middle child of Raymond R. Rapp, Jr. and Helene Brynston Rapp. His family has been in Galveston since 1851. A devout Catholic, Barney graduated from Kirwin High School in 1966. He married his high school love, Peggy McNeel, in 1970, and they started their family in Galveston.

Barney was an athlete and sports enthusiast. He played left guard on the Kirwin Football Team, with his brother Gary on the right. He also formed a baseball team, the “Lindale Bombers,” which was honored by the City of Galveston. Barney and Peggy had two children, Brian Joseph Rapp and Erin Colette Rapp, whom Barney was very proud of.

In 1978, Barney started his real estate brokerage, Barney Rapp, Inc. The business ran successfully until his retirement in 2023. In 1986, Barney and his family moved to a house above the business. The house was a hub of activity with agents, staff, and friends.

Barney was a fan of the 1960s Yankees Baseball team and attended a fantasy camp for 23 years. He formed friendships with players and fellow campers. Barney's life was defined by his family, his love for sports, and his real estate business. His legacy continues in his children, grandchildren, and the people he helped through the clinical trial.

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