Russell Lionel Rupp

A lifelong and diehard Red Sox fan, he loved all horror movies, classic rock, any televised sports, dining out, puzzles of any kind, and most of all his family. He was an avid tennis player for many years and was always looking for a good windy day to fly kites. Russ was born in Ephrata, PA and was the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from Elizabethtown College with a major in history and he was always up for a discussion on history or politics. He also went back to school and received his nursing degree in 1995. Russ started collecting baseball cards as a child and never stopped; he was very proud of the plethora of items he bought, sold, and traded - from cards and sports magazines to comic books and bobbleheads. Although he never considered himself a techie, he worked for the Social Security Administration for 42 years as a programmer of now-antiquated languages like COBOL. He never turned down some tasty garlic ring bologna, a fried Spam sandwich, carrot and celery sticks, or the extra-dark Gibbles potato chips. Russ loved a good pun or joke and never let his family forget key sayings like “You're a good egg in the long run – but who likes long, runny eggs?” He lived in Columbia, MD for 44 years until moving to Southport in 2012. He was also a devoted member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.

Russ is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Betty, with whom he danced, ate, drank, and traveled through life. He is also survived by his daughter Abby Rupp and husband Chris Misciagno; stepson Jim Foley and wife Jesse; stepdaughter Chrissy Isner and husband Matt; and his much-loved eight grandchildren ages 11 to 24.

The family is grateful for the care and support Russ received from Southport Health & Rehabilitation Center.

A celebration of life for Russ will be held at St Philip’s Episcopal Church in Southport on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name are welcome to either the Parkinson’s Foundation or St. Philip's Episcopal Church of Southport, NC.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.