John Edward Rupp of Surf City and Stuart, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 2 with his family by his side. He was 82 years old.
John was married to Katherine Frances (Fran) Rupp (Atkinson) for 58 years. Together they owned and operated the Parlin Guest House, Parlin, where he and his family resided for 43 years. He was also an industrial arts teacher and department supervisor at Sayreville War Memorial High School for 30 years.
John attended Pennsylvania Military College for a year before volunteering to serve in 1954. After serving two years in the United States Army, he received a bachelor of science in industrial arts from Montclair State College (now Montclair State University) and master of arts in industrial education from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey). A lifelong student of architecture, he pursued his talent and passion for building well into his retirement.
John was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Harriet (Keller) Rupp; and his brother, Haydn Rupp. He leaves behind his wife; their eight children, Karen Chicalese of Manahawkin, Allison Provine and her husband, Fred, of New Mexico, Tracy Jarvis and her husband, Skeeter, of California, John Rupp Jr. and his wife, Valerie, of East Windsor, Frances Sanchez and her husband, Brian, of Manahawkin, Alan Rupp of Sayreville, Robert Rupp of Tinton Falls, and Justine Habicht and her husband, Doug, of Palm City, Florida; his 12 grandchildren, Hollie Ventriello and her husband, Anthony, Cori Sanchez, Keith Sanchez, Katherine Wood and her husband, Bruce, Lana Rae Jarvis, Logan Rupp, Paige Rupp, Payton Rupp, Teagan Habicht, Reese Habicht, Blake Rupp and Mason Rupp; and two great-grandsons, Fisher and Jack Ventriello. John is also survived by his sister, June Schneider and her husband, Elmer, of Parlin; his brother, Wendell Rupp and his wife, Eleanor, of Jupiter, Florida; his sister-in-law, Monica Rupp of Tampa, Florida; and many nieces, nephews and long-time friends.
A disciplined man who lived his life with dignity and class, John will be remembered as a positive self-starter who was insightful and not afraid to take risks. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and teacher with a unique sense of humor that helped him through many of life’s challenges. John had a gentle way of guiding his children. He led by example and will forever be remembered by his family for saying, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” He possessed a strong work ethic that earned him a full, enjoyable and meaningful life spent with family and friends. After the many successes throughout his life, he remained humble. John will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to the Laura Lee Novak Special Needs Trust in care of Donald C. Novak, 2712 Healthgate Way, Land 0′ Lakes, Florida, 34638.
Online condolences and registry may be found at www.martin-funeral.com.