The family of Island lawyer Ron Rappaport and the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation have raised $1.5 million for a scholar fund in his memory.

The Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury was standing-room only on Saturday afternoon as the Island celebrated the life of Ronald H. Rappaport, who died suddenly in June 2024.

Ron Rappaport traversed the Island on two wheels or four, always working, always talking, always listening, always smiling and always arguing one case over and over: how to preserve the Island’s values and way of life for everyone.

I had the great privilege of being Ron Rappaport’s law partner for over 25 years. Ron’s passing is a great loss for his family, the Island community and our law firm.

Ronald H. Rappaport, the respected and ubiquitous Martha’s Vineyard attorney whose work cut across nearly every aspect of Island life, died unexpectedly Friday night in Vineyard Haven

Atty. Ronald H. Rappaport saluted Island volunteers as the backbone of this community and an indispensable force that makes the Vineyard the special place it is.