I am from the NYC branch of the Rapetti's. My grandfather, Ettore came from Italy at the turn of the century.He was one of six children of Giovanni Rapetti and Marianna Amoroso. The other five were Achille,Vincenzo, Mario, Alfredo, and Enrichetta. Three of Etore's children are still with us, one being my Dad, Renato, who is now 85 years old.This branch of the Rapetti's are musicians-classical players until the last generation that went over to "swing".Ettore was nicknamed "the professor" as he taught classical trumpet at Hunter College in New York. They lived in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx. He had a twin brother who conducted the San Francisco Symphony.I am not aware of any Rapetti's in the UK. Do you think that there is a connection? The spelling of the name was not changed over to the "e" by this branch, as my grandfather had a PHd in musicology, as well as the family before him were highly educated, and were very proud of the name. At times, when performing, the name "Petty" was used, (as it is easier to remember) but just as a stage name.