Duane Rupple
April 20, 1936 - December 13, 2020
"May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back May the sunshine warm your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields.."
Obituary of Duane Burdell Rupple
Duane Burdell Rupple, affectionately known as “Rupp”, 84, of Lockport, New York, died Sunday, Dec 13th, 2020. He was born on April 20, 1936, to Charlotte and Victor Rupple in Portville, New York.
He married Barbara Ann Newton in the summer of 1957, and they had 4 children: Vicki (Pat), Kathy, David (Jen), Kenneth (Angela), and 8 grandchildren: Travis (Amber), Alyssa (Reid), Canon, Kelly, Hannah, Nicholas, Lexi, and Matt, as well as 3 great-grandchildren.
He worked as a mini-metal model maker for 30 years at Harrison Radiator, in Lockport. He was very athletic: A boxing champion, Rodger’s Park basketball champion, football player, and ‘76 & ‘77 canoe race winner! He, also, was a Little League baseball coach and went to every sporting game we ever had. He also loved to watch the Buffalo Bills and Sabre games, sometimes having the TV and radio on at the same time, while eating Peanut M+M’s. He loved the outdoors and took the family to Long Lake, in the Adirondack Mountains, every summer.
He liked to read and he loved country music – all the greats, and especially, Johnny Cash- so much so, that we all know most of the words! He had a very beautiful singing voice, as well. He had a soft spot for all the dogs in our life and let us keep many 'found‘ pets.
He had a great sense of humor and a sparkle in his eye that stayed with him and will stay with us, forever. He loved us and we loved him. He will be so greatly missed!
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
You were an awesome father, father! Thank you for all the time you took for us kids, what a blast growing up with you. ~ Dave R.
Thank you for all you did for us kids dad!!! You did a great job. I will continue to carry on with your sense of humor!! Ken
I’m glad that I got to know you through my best friend ken. I enjoyed the time i spent with you. Rest in peace CC. Jim McGovern
Rupp was a great guy. I have found memories of him playing basketball up at Rogers Park. Of course his family were my closest friends as a child. Vicky and Kathy( Keek) were like my sisters I never had and Dave was like my little brother. Kenny and I connected after we got older. Their mother Barb was like have a second mom to me… My condolences to you all.. Big hugs! ♥️
I have fond memories of Rupp growing up in my neighborhood. When I got older I would play basketball with him up at the park. We had good times. I grew up with all his kids including Vicky, Kathy and David and Kenny. Barb their mother was like a second mom to me. My condolences to you all! May he rest in peace. Big hugs ♥️
Barb, Kathy & family. My condolences. I played a “few” BB games at Washington Hunt and Rogers Ave. Park with “Rupe” and “Murph”. They were quite the competitors and great guys. May your fondest memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Thank you Dick
My deepest condolences to all the family. I knew your dad growing up as Kenny and I were friends and neighbors. Your father was truly a very nice man. May he rest in peace with the angels.
Great memories of a great athlete who taught me a lot both on and off the court at Rogers Ave., along with the many football games played both at Washington Hunt School and the park across from the hospital. He also loved to play broom ball at the Kenan Arena in the winter months, while the summer months he could often be found either on the court or in a canoe. He touch the lives of many who passed through Rogers Park and memories he left with me will never be forgotten. RIP …Jim Budde
Thank you Jim.How did we forget the broom ball?
When we were little we were never separated. As we got older we grew apart. I miss you all dearly, as well as I am dearly sorry for you great loss.
God bless your family. He was a great guy and was always kind to me. He seemed to always be smiling! Vicky, he reminded me of you. You had the same smile. God bless him and your family.
Keek, Vickie, Dave and Kenny, so very sorry to hear about your dad. He always reminded me of Burt Reynolds! Love to all. Roxie
He grew a mustache in the 70’s because someone said he looked like Burt Reynolds. He always reminded me and Kiki and Dave, (not sure about Vicki) of Robert DiNero.
My condolences to the Rupple family. I too have great memories of canoeing in the Canoe Race with Rupe – playing football and of course basketball behind Washington Hunt and Roger Ave Park. Rupe and Murph are together again playing one on one. Thanks for sharing Rupe with us all
Thank you Matt
Dave, Kathy, Ken and Vicki
My condolences go out to each of you and your families. Mr. Rupple was a great guy and always involved with a sport, whether playing, coaching or as a fan. He taught me a few boxing techniques as a small kid around Rodgers park. May he always be in your memories.
Thank you, Dan.
I played a lot of touch football with Rupe and King. Basktball, too. Farewell my old friend
Thank you, Paul.❤
My heart goes out to Vicki, Keek, Davey and Kenny. Your parents were always so welcoming! I have some great memories. My mother loved seeing everyone. My uncle will always have a special place in my heart. Thinking of each of you in hope that you know your father wasn’t nt only a father he was a DAd. Sending prayers.
Thank you, Melissa!