Harvey Bruce

Rapoport

Harvey Bruce Rapoport, 87, passed away in Lubbock, Texas, on November 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of family, dedication, intellectual curiosity, and a life well lived.

Born on January 8, 1939, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to David and Goldie Rapoport. He grew up in Cedar Rapids and lettered in track and basketball at McKinley High School. In that town, he would eventually meet the love of his life, Michele “Shelley” Kriss. Their relationship began with a long-distance courtship, with Harvey in Cedar Rapids and Shelley living in Hollywood, Florida. They married in Florida and began their life together in Cedar Rapids, where they welcomed their two children, Susan and Loren.

Harvey's academic and professional pursuits reflected his lifelong interest in technology and engineering. He attended Purdue University, was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1960, and subsequently attended the State University of Iowa, where he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1962. His career began at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, which later became part of Rockwell International. Over 35 years, Harvey built a distinguished career with the company, designing and building complex military test equipment before retiring. He subsequently worked for Alcatel in Richardson, Texas, and Karta in San Antonio, Texas, drawing on his extensive technical and business experience.

In 1973, Harvey and Shelley moved their family to Richardson, Texas, where they made their home and raised their children. In 2000, they relocated to San Antonio to be closer to their daughter, Susan, and son-in-law, Stephen High, as they prepared to start their family through adoption. In 2018, Harvey and Shelley returned to Dallas, but in 2020, they moved to Lubbock, Texas, residing at Carillon Senior Center to be near Susan, Steve, and their son, Michael. Family was always an important part of Harvey's life. As his children grew up, he enthusiastically supported their activities. He became an unofficial soccer coach for Susan, offering encouragement and advice from the sidelines, and often cheered loudly from the stands at games. His enthusiasm called him to be a coach for Loren's soccer teams.

Harvey had interests that reflected his curiosity, ingenuity, and appreciation for life's simple pleasures. He enjoyed investing, dog and horse racing, genealogy, and building and playing with computers. He applied his electrical engineering knowledge to modify a calculator into his own horse-racing betting computer. He also enjoyed collecting stamps and coins. 

He had his own particular tastes for life's everyday pleasures. Chips Ahoy cookies and Pecan Sandies were among his favorite breakfasts before Thomas blueberry or cinnamon raisin bagel became his breakfast of choice. His days often began and ended with coffee. Harvey also took pride in maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Until the final six months of his life, he remained committed to eating well and exercising regularly, often walking on the treadmill for 45 minutes, five days a week before suffering a major stroke in April 2026.

Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, David and Goldie Rapoport; his sister, Sheila Greenberg, and her husband, Fred Greenberg; and his brother, Mark Rapoport.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Michele “Shelley” Rapoport; his sister, Cindy Hanson, and her husband, David; his daughter, Susan High, and her husband, Stephen High; his son, Loren Rapoport; and his grandson, Michael High. Last year, Harvey also had the special joy of welcoming his first great-grandson, Lane Carter High.

Harvey will be remembered for his engineering mind, his resourcefulness, his enthusiasm for his children's activities, his devotion to his family, and his ability to find enjoyment in both intellectual challenges and everyday pleasures. Harvey made his own distinctive mark on the lives of those around him, and his family and all who knew and loved him will deeply miss him.

A memorial service will be held 2pm, Thursday, December 10, 2026, at Combest Memorial Chapel.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, you donate to the Alzheimer's Association .