Growing up on the Lower East Side, his family struggled to survive, especially during the strike of Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America.

Selling modest designs and "solid color and classic striped" ties, the company shipped $17,000 worth of neckwear in the first year and annually increased the output by 20%.

By 1969, the full product line of the company included neckwear, knitted Italian and Domestic shirts, sweaters and jackets.

[2] Each color pattern was then entered into a computer database that did an analysis of its popularity and gave a sales projection based upon past records.

In 1969, he was awarded the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity with the title Commendatore for strengthening commercial relations between the United States and Italy.

[6] In 1977, Rappaport received the Annual Achievement Award of the Textile Veterans Association for his work in civic and philanthropic endeavors.

[2][9] In 2002, Rappaport's exhibit "Not For Sale" opened at the Taller Boricua Gallery,[10] which showcased over eighty pieces completed since 1989, including work he had done after his stroke.

One of Rappaport's paintings was also featured in the book The Art of Aging, which was published upon the launch of the gallery showing by the United Jewish Communities.