CROWN HEIGHTS — Hundreds of people paid their respects on Tuesday afternoon to a Crown Heights rabbi who died in a fatal car crash this week, ending a life “lived for others,” those who knew him said.
The funeral procession for Rabbi Yekutiel Rapp, 66, passed by 770 Eastern Parkway just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, traveling in front of Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Crown Heights where Rapp was a teacher for many years.
“He was like a mentor to them,” said Sara Labkowski, who knew Rapp for 25 years and whose husband worked with him. “He was always looking to help people.”
“He lived for others,” she added.
“You see all these young men here?” asked Esther Reish, pointing to the hundreds of people who edged close to a dark green minivan that carried Rapp’s family and casket. “He has devoted himself to teaching the young men values … He was very dedicated to the community, all his life.”
Rapp taught primarily students from Israel, where he was originally from, and was a passionate supporter of the country.
Rapp was hit by a livery car multiple times on Empire Boulevard and Balfor Place on Monday afternoon and was pronounced dead at Kings County Hospital later that day.
The driver of the car remained on the scene of the crash and has not been charged with a crime as of Tuesday afternoon. Sources said the investigation is ongoing and the Brooklyn District Attorney will determine any wrongdoing.
Rapp is survived by his wife and four children.
