Joseph Louis Ruppert

Beloved father, grandfather, husband and friend, Joe passed away peacefully in his home on November 11, 2023, at the age of 85. The youngest of seven children born to Anna and Louis Ruppert, Joe grew up in Eastern Baltimore on Dudley Avenue. He was a member of the Shrine of the Little Flower parish growing up, where he also attended grade school. At an early age, Joe began his love of music by learning to play the accordion. This would be the first of several instruments that he learned to play, and by the age of 6, Joe was playing local variety and talent shows. His accordion was one of his prized possessions and he had his original accordian his entire life. As Joe grew, his love of music continued and he was an avid member of the drum and bugle corps during his time at Little Flower. Joe then attended Mount Saint Joseph High School where he made lifelong friends. During his time at the Mount, Joe enjoyed being a member of the Gaels ice hockey team. He enjoyed ice skating long after he graduated and still had his hockey skates when he passed. Joe completed his undergraduate degree at University of Maryland, and his post graduate degree at The University of Baltimore Law School where he received his Juris Doctorate degree.

Joe enjoyed fishing and crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay with his brothers and eventually his children. He was always most at ease on the water in his boat pulling a trout line for crabs or bending the rod with a big rockfish on the end. He is the only person I know to find a taxidermist that would mount a blue crab. His citation 9” blue crab was mounted and proudly displayed in every home he lived in. The only thing that made him as happy as being on the water was being around his grandchildren. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and watching them play their various sports. Joe also took great pleasure singing in his barbershop quartet. He had a beautiful voice and was always happy to belt out a song when requested…and many times regardless of any request. Joe will be remembered for loving his family with a big heart, being generous to a fault, and taking great pride in his children and grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Infussi Ruppert; his 3 children and spouses, Brian Ruppert and Pamela Middlecamp Ruppert, Kevin Ruppert and Elissa Rellihan Ruppert, Megan Ruppert Regan and Matt Regan; and his 8 grandchildren, Sara Ruppert, David Ruppert, Lucas Ruppert, Ella Ruppert, Julia Ruppert, Garrett Regan, Anna Regan, and Abigail Regan; and his former wife and mother of his children Mary Jane Ruppert.

Love doesn’t die, people do. So, when all that is left of me is love, give me away…Merrit Malloy

Until we see you again dad, we love you…

A Memorial Mass for Joseph will be held Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 9:00 AM, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 8501 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21286, with a committal service to follow at Gardens of Faith Memorial Gardens, 5598 Trumps Mill Rd., Baltimore, MD 21206.

Those desiring may make a memorial donation in Joseph's name to the Mount Saint Joseph High School at www.msjnet.edu/giving/make-a-tower-fund-gift or to Gilchrist Hospice at www.gilchristcares.org/donate