Francis Joseph Ruppel

FRANCIS JOSEPH RUPPEL, age 87, of Forest Hill, died in Upper Chesapeake Medical Center on November 15, 2003. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late John and Dorothe Fuchsluger Ruppel, and the husband for 57 years of the late Mildred Bowman Ruppel. He had retired in 1976 from his job of 40 years as a railroad engineer. Born and raised in Baltimore, he lived in Highland for 29 years. He was a member of Local 52 the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He started his railroad career with the Pennsylvania Railroad and retired from Conrail. A bicycle racer, he was a member of the Maryland Bicycle Club in the 1930’s. He won the Maryland State Harry E. Glock Memorial Races in 1932, 1933, and 1934. He was the first racer to have an aluminum bike. He was a member of the Havre de Grace Elks. He and his wife enjoyed traveling and spending the winter months in Florida. He enjoyed golf and playing cards. He enjoyed his family and friends.

Mr. Ruppel is survived by one son, Francis J. Ruppel of Street, Maryland; one daughter, Kay R. Connors of Forest Hill, Maryland; one sister, Margaret (Toots) Denk of Westminster, Maryland; five grandchildren, Robin Necker of Edgewood; Scott Bowman Ruppel of Bel Air; Joseph Eric Ruppel of Street, Christopher Gregory Connors of Towson; Jamie Ryan Connors of Baltimore; four great-grandchildren, Kelly Bernstein of Baltimore; Nicholas Weddle of Baltimore; Dylan Joseph Ruppel of Baltimore; and Cole Bowman Ruppel of Bel Air. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was predeceased by one sister, Mary Byrd.

Those who desire may contribute to the charity of their choice.