Obituary of Donald "Don" F. Rupert

Donald “Don” F. Rupert Donald “Don” Rupert, age 96, residing at the Regency at South Shore, passed away there on Thursday, November 23, 2023. He was born in Kittanning, PA on June 7, 1927, the son of the late Kenneth and Blanche Booher Rupert. He graduated from New Kensington High School in 1945 and then served in the US Navy during WWII. He graduated from Allegheny College in 1951. Don worked at Erie Malleable Iron Co. for over 40 years. As Vice President of Sales, he had a keen understanding of their product and his customers’ needs. Don was a great storyteller and an even better conversationalist because he was a great listener, had a remarkable memory, and a genuine interest in whomever he was talking with. He especially loved spending time with his family. All his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, old and new friends have memorable stories about their interaction with Don. He was a member of Wayside Presbyterian Church and was a F &A M; belonging to the Tyrian Lodge and the Scottish Rite. He enjoyed golf and was extremely proud of his hole-in-one at the Kahkwa Club where he was a longtime member. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, especially with his son and his brother, as well as playing billiards. He rooted for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. Besides his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Betty Ann Barber Rupert and his brother, Richard Rupert. He is survived by his children: Jane Gilewicz (Peter), Carol Sechrist (James), Don Rupert, Jr. (Katy), twelve grandchildren: Sarah, Amy, Matthew, Rebecca, Brian, Lisa, Diana, Pamela, Jessica, Jennifer, Courtney, and William, and 24 great grandchildren with one on the way. He was dearly loved, will be greatly missed, and long remembered. The family would like to thank The Regency and the VNA Hospice for their care. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and from 9 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service there at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Interment will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wayside Presbyterian Church, 1208 Asbury Rd., Erie, PA 16505.