William J. Ruppert died at his home in Westhampton on December 17, 2016 just weeks before his 86th birthday.
A lifelong resident of the East End, Mr. Ruppert, known as “Bill,” grew up in Jamesport and graduated from Riverhead High School. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served for three years during the Korean War. He was a sergeant at his discharge in 1954.
Returning to civilian life, Mr. Ruppert was employed at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton. He became a procurement officer in the plant engineering department and retired from that position 40 years later.
Before enlisting, he had met the love of his life, Marion Egert, who became his wife in June 1952. They shared the joys and challenges of married life for almost 60 years, raising two children, planting and tending remarkable vegetable and flower gardens, and, in retirement, traveling extensively throughout North America. Their favorite trip was a cruise to Alaska. Regrettably, Ms. Ruppert died in 2011, and his son, William H. Ruppert, died early in 2013. He is survived by a daughter, Christine Ruppert and husband Martin Karlinsky of Cornwall-on-Hudson; and by many nieces, nephews, and their children.
In the community, Mr. Ruppert was known for sharing the bounty of his gardens and lending assistance to whomever needed it. He was a familiar sight on his long afternoon walks around town, meeting and keeping in touch with neighbors while observing the birds and other wildlife around him.
Because of his deep commitment to conservation and environmentalism, memorial donations may be made to the environmental advocacy organization of choice.
Funeral arrangements were handled by Follett and Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach.
on Dec 21, 2016