Felix Rappaport - Gone Too Soon

Felix Rappaport passed away last night. He was one of the best people I ever met. I was blessed and honored to call him “friend.” We used to meet at the Luxor regularly for coffee and talk about life. Everyone love him – the employees, the customers and vendors. He would stop the guy sweeping the carpet and say, “Hey, tell Mark that horse story you shared with me.” We would sit for an hour or two swapping stories, and I never left without a smile on my face. Felix made you feel special; he treated the CEO the same as the Janitor.

As a casino executive, he was ALWAYS on the floor shaking hands and kissing babies. He worked harder and longer than anyone I ever met. He could rattle off numbers and percentages, and was an expert on every aspect of his property.

Felix was a legend in the casino industry. Most recently the CEO with Foxwoods for the last five years, he was with MGM Resorts 14 years as  President of the Mirage, Luxor, Excalibur and NYNY. When he left MGM Resorts I was honored to represent him for his next career opportunity. He interviewed for the COO job with Foxwoods…and nailed it. When CEO Scott Butera left the next year, Felix was promoted to CEO. A testament to the great job he was doing, and no small feat in a Northeast crowded with new casinos. RIP my Brother. I love you!