Bill Rappleye, longtime political reporter for NBC 10, dies

CRANSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — Bill Rappleye, a longtime political reporter for NBC 10, has died. He was 66.

His family said he passed away on Thursday morning after a short battle with brain cancer.

"He was known best for his quick wit, love of nature, unpretentiousness and empathy for the less fortunate. His life's work was to be the champion of the 'little guy,' to tell their stories, and to hold politicians accountable for their actions. While we know him as our sweet, beloved father, politicians did their best to evade him when they saw Bill at the state capital," said a statement from his five daughters, Georgia, Anika, Chesley, Karma and Layla. "We are thankful for the outpouring of sympathy and tributes to our father's professional and family life."

Bill was born in Houston and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His family said he "loved the Biggest Little state in the union, where he called home as he built his career and raised his children."

The news was first shared by his colleague at Rhode Island PBS and former NBC 10 reporter Michelle San Miguel.

"Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers," San Miguel said.

In his 25 years working as a reporter in Rhode Island, Bill developed a reputation for being a kind man and tenacious journalist.

His passing inspired an outpouring of messages from those he worked with and those he covered.

“We miss him already. Our friend and former colleague Bill Rappleye has passed away. Nicest and smartest guy in the newsroom,” wrote Patrice Wood on social media. “May he Rest In Peace.”

“Tough day here at NBC10 as we mourn the passing of Bill Rappleye,” said NBC 10 News Director Scott Isaacs, as he remembered Rappleye as an old-school reporter. “A tough questioner of people in power, and someone who actually WANTED to do live shots in the worst weather imaginable.”

Bill delighted viewers during extended coverage of a storm in 2019 when he demonstrated the finer points of making a snow angel.

Gov. Gina Raimondo remembered Bill's determination as a journalist.

"Bill was one of the best. A tenacious reporter, he never shied away from asking tough questions or getting to the bottom of a story. He was thoughtful and smart, but also kind and incredibly funny - both on and off the record. Rhode Island is extremely fortunate to have had him as a member of our community. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time," Raimondo said in a statement.

Rep. Jim Langevin said he was saddened to hear of the news.

“He was a true professional dedicated to informing viewers with compelling, in depth stories,” he wrote on Twitter. “My thoughts are with his loved ones. He will certainly be missed.”

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza too said he was saddened to hear of the passing.

“He was always quick-witted & had the mind of a true journalist,” wrote Elorza on social media.

Rappleye left NBC 10 in 2020 and went on to report for "Rhode Island PBS Weekly" on RIPBS with San Miguel.

"Exactly one year ago today, we announced Bill Rappleye had joined Rhode Island PBS to play a pivotal role in Rhode Island PBS Weekly. We mourn this profound personal and professional loss," said David W. Piccerelli, president of Rhode Island PBS. "Bill had an incredible passion for his profession and was a well-respected journalist known for his integrity."

Over his 18 years at WJAR, Bill hosted the public affairs program "10 News Conference," moderated debates, reported from the New Hampshire primary and national conventions, and interviewed countless local, state and federal politicians.

He also reported extensively on the collapse of Curt Schilling's video game company, 38 Studios, and the scandal that brought down House Speaker Gordon Fox.

Bill shared his instincts with various political analysts, commentators and observers in his "Campaign Cafe," "Political Notebook" and "Wingmen" segments.

NBC 10 political analyst Wendy Schiller of Brown University said Bill was "an original and irreplaceable."

Bill Rappleye was my first and best mentor in the world of political commentary. I first met him around 2009 when I became the WJAR10 political commentator. Bill was welcoming and generous in teaching me how to figure out television news, from how to keep it short and simple, to camera placements, how to hide a mic wire, and of course, what not to wear. More than that, Bill posed great questions about a broad range of issues and policies, and he worked hard to provide transparency and information about the decisions of our state and local politicians. He had a great love of politics, and life. With Bill's passing, Rhode Island has lost a wonderful voice that was silenced too soon," Schiller said.

Bill held reporting positions in Boston and New York earlier in a career that spanned about 40 years. He was the recipient of numerous accolades, including Associated Press awards, a regional Emmy award, and a national award from the Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors.

Rappleye is survived by his five daughters. His brother, investigative reporter and author Charles Rappleye, died in 2018.

Arrangements were pending.