COMPANY MOURNS THE PASSING OF PAST CHIEF THOMAS G. RUPPERT

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

The Officers and Members of the Clayton Fire Company is mourning the passing of Past Chief Thomas G. Ruppert on Wednesday January 24th at Bayhealth Kent Campus.  Chief Ruppert was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.  Chief Ruppert joined the fire company in 1981 and held several positions in the company to include Fire Line Offices and Administrative office.  He lead the company as Fire Chief from 2002-2005.  He was also a Life Member of the fire company.   Below is Chief Rupperts' Obituary.  We ask that you keep Chief Ruppert and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  

 

Thomas G. Ruppert aged 75 passed away on January 24, 2024. Tom was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend who will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Tom was born on December 13, 1948, in Bellevue, Ohio and is the son of the late Phillip and Kathryn Ruppert of Bellevue, Ohio. He is also the younger brother to Skip Ruppert (Cathy) of Ohio and an older brother to Kathy Ruppert-Henney (Jim) of Ohio.

 

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis A. Chambers-Ruppert of 54 years; His three children Matthew Ruppert (Tiffany), Amy Ruppert-Cannon (Bill), and Noel Ruppert-Morris (AJ). Seven grandchildren, Matthew (Amber), Kaitlyn (Danny), Alexandra (Montana), Wayne (Kaitlyn), Emma, Ethan, and Wyatt. Along with four great grandchildren Aayla, Scarlette, Greyson, and Lilith, as well as nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

 

Tom spent much of his life in service to others first in the United States Marine Corps from 1968-1974, then as a past chief and lifetime member of the Clayton Fire Co from 1981-2024. He was also a member of the Kent County Fire Chiefs Asso., the Delaware State Fire Chiefs Asso., the VFW, and American Legion. He retired from the Scott Paper Co., Dover, De in the early 1990s then went on to work for Kent Construction as a site supervisor, retiring five years ago. 

 

Since his retirement Tom has spent his time traveling with his family, woodworking in his shop, and fishing and hunting with his buddies. Tom also loved spending time by the pool chatting with his family and friends and playing with his beloved dog Winston.

 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Clayton Fire Co. in his honor. Tom would have also wished for you to spend time with your families’ creating memories, as he did with his loved ones.

 

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Clayton Fire hall, located at 300 East St. in Clayton. Funeral services with Pastor Rich Walton will begin at 12 PM. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery in Smyrna.

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