Richard T. Rupe, 60 Richard Thomas Rupe, loving husband, father, brother, teacher and devout Christian, died quietly at home surrounded by family and friends October 24 2009. He was born November 2, 1948, on the West Side of Youngstown, the son of late Maxine Baum and Robert Rupe. He was one of 4 brothers. Survived by Robert of Nebraska and Roger of Texas. His younger brother Ronald precedes him in Death. On February 8, 1969 he married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen who survives. They met over 40 years ago at the Idora Park Ballroom. They have three children Jason and Joshua, both of Youngstown, and Chelsea Joy of Cleveland, Ohio. A 1966 Chaney Graduate and long time West-sider. Rick served his country in the Vietnam War. Upon his return he Graduated with a B.S. in Sociology from Youngstown State University and later graduated with a Masters in Education from Kent State University. Rick was employed by Youngstown Board of Education for over 30 years. He taught Science, Industrial Arts, Tec Prep and coached Track. More recently he taught robotics at Choffin Career Center. Rick was in the first graduating class of Volney Rogers Junior High and retired the last year of its operation in 2006 as a teacher there. After retiring he continued to work with troubled youth in many different community organizations. In 1988 Rick founded Mill Creek Decks with lifelong friends operating as both architect and carpenter. Dozens of his creations can be seen all over the Mahoning valley. Rick also found time to volunteer for several community programs including the Obama Campaign, Smoke Free Ohio, as well as serving as a Youngstown 5th Ward Councilman. In 2006 Rick published Life Line Twenty Fifty, a novel that synthesized his ideas about community and responsibility. A devout Christian, Rick was involved with various bible study groups at Old North Church in Canfield.Rick took solace in nature and over a lifetime he hiked though many national forests including the Grand Canyon. A Lover of Mill Creek Park Rick was known to often take his students and church groups for field trips there. Rick devoted his life to making the people around him and the world he lived in a better place. His tireless devotion to family, community, spirituality, curiosity, dignity and trust profoundly affected everyone who knew him. His life works and values will linger in the thousands of people who were helped, challenged, supported and inspired by him. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Fox Funeral Home, Boardman. A private service will be held Wednesday.
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