Obituary of Richard H. Rupp
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Dr. Richard (Dick) Henry Rupp passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 27, 2017, after a brief illness. He was a loving husband, a patient father, and a doting grandfather to ten beautiful grandchildren.
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dick attended St. Meinrad Seminary while considering the priesthood. After some reflection, he altered course and decided a life of teaching was his lifes calling. He received his undergraduate and masters degrees from the University of Notre Dame and a Doctorate in English from Indiana University.
After completing his formal education in Indiana, Dick moved to Washington, DC, where he met the love of his life, Mary Frances Grove at church. In June of 1963, they married in the backyard of Marys home in Frederick, Maryland.
Dick enjoyed a career teaching English and literature to countless students at outstanding educational institutions across the country: Georgetown University, the University of Miami, Brooklyn College, and Appalachian State University. He came to ASU as the Dean of the Graduate School in 1975 but missed the classroom, so he returned to his calling as an English professor from 1979 until his retirement in 2001. He also authored several novels during his professional career.
In addition to his career, Dick raised five children (who all benefited scholastically from his prowess as a grammarian). He served St. Elizabeths Church in various capacities for over 40 years. He was a member of Kiwanis for 60 years, sang tenor in the Mountainaire Barbershop Quartet, served on the WAMY Board of Directors, and was active in community theatre. He enjoyed the finer things in life: traveling, swinging in his hammock, and smoking a good cigar.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary G. Rupp, his brother Jack Rupp (Mary Anne), and five adult children: Elizabeth M. Rupp, Christopher R. Rupp (Lisa) Nicholas G. Rupp (Karen), Matthew J. Rupp (Sarah), and Daniel W. Rupp (Taryn). In addition, he was a father figure to Thomas Klostermeyer, an honorary family member of the large Rupp Clan. One of the joys of his life was spending time with his dear grandchildren: Katie, Reid, Courtney, Madison, Jenna, Ollie, Meredith, Willa, Scarlett, and Nathaniel (aka Natty Bumppo.
A celebration of the life of Richard (Dick) Henry Rupp will occur this Sunday, April 2, at 3:00 pm at St. Elizabeths Catholic Church in Boone, NC. The family wiil receive friends Saturday from 4 until 6 P.M. at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Hospitality House, PO Box 309, Boone, NC, 28607, or to the Boone Kiwanis Club, 1325 Ravens Ridge Circle, Boone, NC 28607.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Rupp family.