Joseph L. Ruppert Jr

Joseph Lawrence Ruppert, Jr. (Joe), passed away unexpectedly at Orange Regional Medical Center on March 2, 2017, at the age of 89, with his loving family at his side. The son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Ruppert, he was the youngest of eight children, born in Middletown, N.Y. on March 29, 1927.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Noreen; his daughter, Mary Jane Slater; and his siblings, Emil Ruppert, Frank Ruppert, George Ruppert, Anna Dwyer, Josephine Van Sickle, and Venta Ott.

Joe was a lifelong resident of Middletown and a communicant of St. Joseph's R.C. Church. Following his graduation from Middletown High School, he went to the Rochester School of Business. He had an undeniable work ethic and chose to become self-employed to provide for his family. Joe was the owner of Ruppert Ford in Monroe, N.Y., the owner of Vee Shell Service Station in Middletown, N.Y., and a retiree from the Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Center in New Hampton, N.Y. Joe became a lifetime member of the Middletown Elks Lodge #1097 and the Monhagen Hose Company in Middletown, N.Y.

Joe possessed a keen appreciation of sports and played semi-pro football with the Blue Devils in Middletown, N.Y. as a young adult. He loved to talk baseball, and enthusiastically coached his favorite team, the NY Yankees, from the comfort of his living room recliner. He applauded their victories with gusto, and cursed all their defeats. Indeed, it was an experience to watch the game while in his company. In addition to sports, Joe was an avid card player throughout his entire life. Another pastime he enjoyed was masterfully completing daily crossword puzzles. He also found great joy whenever he could answer the questions on Jeopardy.

Joe was always generous and very social. He truly relished welcoming friends and family into his home to enjoy time together. He loved telling stories, so conversation was smooth flowing. Joe was a caring family man, always putting their needs before his own. He was an extremely concerned father who was proud of his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments. There is no doubt that he will be truly missed by all of his family and friends.

Joseph is survived by his children, Larry Ruppert and his wife, Sharon; Dan Ruppert and his wife, Diedre; John Ruppert and his wife Tamara; Carol Picorelli and her husband, Fernando; his son-in-law, Neal Slater; his grandchildren, Michael Ruppert and his wife, Sarah; Amy Spalt and her husband, Douglas; Daniel Ruppert; Jenna Smith and her husband, D.J.; and Cassandra Ruppert; and his great-grandchildren, Kaylin, Alexandra, Sloane, Jacob, and Scout. He is also survived by his brother, Walt Ruppert; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2017, from 6pm-9pm, at Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home on 26 Grove St. in Middletown, N.Y. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11am on Friday, March 10, 2017, at St. Joseph's R.C. Church, 149 Cottage St., Middletown, N.Y. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Middletown, N.Y.

In memory of Joseph, and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan County, 800 Stony Brook Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550 or St. Joseph's Church, 149 Cottage St., Middletown, N.Y.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, Middletown, NY.

Visitation:
Thursday, March 9, 2017
6:00 PM until 9:00 PM
Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Inc. Funeral Home
26 Grove Street
Middletown, NY 10940

Service:
Friday, March 10, 2017
11:00 AM
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church
149 Cottage Street
Middletown, NY 10940

 Service Information