NORWICH – On Sunday, September 4, former New York State Assembly Minority Leader Clarence “Rapp” Rappleyea passed in the capitol where his 22 year tenure in the Assembly of wit and country wisdom gave credibility to bipartisan politics.
A wise country lawyer and Norwich native, among his most notable accomplishments in state politics Rappleyea was instrumental in moving the chains forward toward a republican gubernatorial term. Rappleyea would see his goal realized after one-term Senate republican George Pataki defeated three-term incumbent Mario Cuomo in 1994, becoming the first Republican Governor of New York since the 1970s.
“He helped me win my first Assembly race; and when so many tried to keep me from becoming the nominee for Governor, he believed in me, fought for me and worked tirelessly to help get me elected,” said former Governor George Pataki. “Rapp was a selfless public servant – loved and respected on both sides of the aisle, a wise counsel, a dear friend and always my leader.”
Senator James Seward of Oneonta recalls Rappleyea working tirelessly for his constituents. “As New York State Assembly Minority Leader, the greater needs of all state residents were always his priority,” said Steward. “He was able to find common ground with others no matter their politics and was universally respected and liked. I was proud to work closely with Rapp and call him a friend.”
While more than two decades have passed since Rappleyea's retirement from politics, the effects of his career-long dedication to community and ethical governance still echo in halls from Albany to Norwich.
During his time in office, thousands traveled from every corner of the state to Chenango County for generous helpings of seafood and politics at his annual 'Lobsterfest,' a Chenango County tradition that lives on year after year. Like clockwork, former and prospective state and local level polls – including U.S. Senators and members of Congress still attend the event, now a staple event in the Southern Tier.
Among consensus, Rappleyea was afraid to wrestle out agreements in the senate that would net a positive outcome along both sides of the aisle. Often, as Minority Leader, Rappleyea would labor over whether or not to recommend his members' support over a Democratic bill – often needed by the Democrat Speaker in a closely divided Assembly.
“Being the horse trader he was, Rapp negotiated the Speaker's agreement to give the Speaker the Republican votes he needed to pass his major bill if the Speaker agreed to bring up a modest bill his Republican conference wanted that Democrats had bottled up in committee. The deal was struck and both bills eventually passed with bipartisan support,” recalled Jim Flateau of the N.Y. State Dept of Corrections. “To Rapp, the trade made sense: 'If you have to walk the plank,' he said, 'might as well do it over shallow water.'”
Former Binghamton Mayor Richard Bucci fondly remembers Rappleyea as a champion to upstate connection of small communities.
“For six years I served as Assembly Minority Leader Rappleyea's Regional Coordinator for southern and central New York. He was a dedicated legislator who was passionate in advocating for the communities of Upstate New York,” said Bucci. “Rapp loved personal interaction with his constituents and was genuinely concerned with the issues confronting them. He would often personally follow-up to make sure their concerns were addressed. He was a class act who was respected by Assembly members of both political parties. I always considered him a role model as I began my tenure as Mayor of Binghamton.”
Said Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, “Rapp was deeply respected on both sides of the political aisle, and admired by Democrats and Republicans throughout his 22 years in the Assembly and 12 years as Minority Leader. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.”

Frank Speziale Photo