Norman Ruppert

Norman A. Ruppert, 84, formerly of Lower Alsace Township, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2017 in Berkshire Center where he was affectionately known at "Stormin Norman". He was the husband of the late Doris L. (Scheipe) Ruppert who passed away in October 1999. Born in Reading on September 20, 1932, Mr. Ruppert was the son of the late Oliver and Elsie (Oxenreider) Ruppert. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Reading where he had served on church council and as treasurer. Norman was a 1951 graduate of Reading High School. He played the position of right guard on the football team and blocked for Hall of Famer Lenny Moore and earned the nickname "Fireball." He served in the United States Army stateside in the Signal Core during the Korean Conflict. He later went on to play football at Albright College and graduated in 1958. Mr. Ruppert was employed from 1958-1987 as a sales administrator at Luden's Inc., where he was known as the "Candy Man". From 1987 until his retirement in 1994, he was employed by the Hershey Foods Corporation. Mr. Ruppert was also a Berks County Football Official from 1965-1987 and he loved to play golf and attend the YMCA in Reading. He is survived by his daughters Patti A. Rose, wife of Patrick M. Rose of Lower Alsace Township and Kathy L. Ruppert, wife of James E. Staples of Allentown and his grandchildren James P. Rose of Boston, Mass. and Shana M. Rose of Lower Alsace. He is also survived by his siblings John Ruppert; Ellen K. Ruppert and Edith M. Ruppert all of Temple and Charles Ruppert of Exeter Township and preceded in death by Elwood, Earl and Ernest Ruppert. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Berkshire Center and Caring Hospice for their care of Norman.
Funeral Service will be held in Bean Funeral Home, 6 Fairlane Road, Exeter Township, Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 11:00 am. Reverend Mary E. Wolfe will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive relatives and friends in Bean Funeral Home Tuesday, September 19, 2017 from 6:30-8:30 pm and Wednesday from 10:00-11:00 am. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hope Lutheran Church Endowment Fund 601 North Front Street, Reading, PA 19601 or Albright College PO Box 15234, Reading, PA 19612 attention: Development, in memory of Mr. Norman A. Ruppert. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com