03/26/2026
We are saddened to announce the death of Judith Rapisardi McDaid, who passed on March 25, 2026, at the age of 82. Judy was born in New Rochelle, NY on January 3, 1944, to Manuel F. Rapisardi and Ruth Henderson Rapisardi who preceded her in death along with sister Janet Rose Rapisardi Geoghegan. Beloved Mother, Nana, Aunt, and friend, Judy is survived by sons Russ McDaid and wife Terri of Lebanon, PA; Rob McDaid of Tionesta, PA, and loving friend Janice Kasbee of Cochranton, PA, grandchildren Rose McDaid, Grace McDaid, and Mitchell McDaid; niece and goddaughter Trinity Noelle Geoghegan and her daughter Leya; step grandchildren Kylie Ladd and Katie Ladd, and extended family in Ohio who she cared for deeply; and dear friend and caregiver Lynn Kiedaisch, of Tionesta, PA, who enriched Judy’s life in her own home as her health declined. Judy was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, William Harry (Bill) McDaid, in 2008.
Judy graduated from the Philadelphia General Hospital School of Nursing in 1965 and brought that passion for caring to all aspects of her life. A Tionesta resident for almost 60 years, Judy’s passions were family and service to the Tionesta and Forest County communities. Active in St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Parish in Tionesta, she served as a youth leader and catechism teacher for over two decades, starting the community’s first ecumenical youth group in 1966, and continued as an active member of the St. Anthony’s Ladies’ Guild until her passing. She served the community as a member of the Tionesta Recreation Board (1970-1995) and was a charter member of the Tionesta Community Association (TCA), participating as her health allowed in recent years.
Many know Judy as the Forest County Public Health Nurse for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, serving countless families and improving the health of Forest County residents from 1976 until her retirement in 2004.
In retirement, Judy worked to build sustainable financial support for Forest County organizations and students, helping to establish the Forest County Community Foundation as an affiliate of the Bridge Builders Community Foundation, beginning in 2007. She also put a great deal of energy into her role as Tionesta’s Mayor, having been elected to three (3) successive terms after being appointed to fill the vacant Mayor position in 2013. As Tionesta’s first female Mayor, Judy took great pride in the community and the part she played in its ongoing service to residents. She had also served on the Forest County Children and Youth Advisory Board, the Forest/Warren Department of Human Services Advisory Board, and Focus on Forest’s Future, where she served as chair.
Even while living with chronic kidney disease since 2021, Judy found new friendships and unexpected opportunities to learn from and share her experience with others. The team at the Forest County Transportation service, which safely delivered her to and from dialysis 3 times a week since 2021 and the caring staff at Fresenius Kidney Care in Seneca became integral parts of Judy’s life during her care journey. Judy’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the caring and commitment shown to Judy by so many during this time of her life.
Judy’s family requests that memorial donations be made to the Forest County Community Foundation Unrestricted Fund (https://bbcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1046), initiated by Judy and Bill McDaid in 2007. The ‘Unrestricted Fund’ awards grants to organizations and projects located in Forest County each year.
There will be no public visitation. A Catholic Mass and memorial service will be held this summer at a date to be announced later. Private interment will follow at Mt. Collins Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Norman J. Wimer Funeral Home of Tionesta. Messages of sympathy may be left at www.wimerfuneralhome.com.