Jerome G. Rupprecht, 99 ½, passed away in his home on Friday, April 19,2024 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born October 17, 1924 in St. Mary's, PA, the son of the late Alois and Mayme Gleixner Rupprecht.
Jerome truly lived the "American Dream." He grew up in St. Mary's and at the age of 18, he was drafted into the US Army serving his country during WW II. As a carpenter general in Iwo Jima, he built battlefield hospitals for the wounded soldiers and witnessed the historic raising of the American flag. Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Jane. In the early 50's he and Jane built their home together where they raised their 4 children.
A carpenter by trade, he built numerous homes as well as repaired the steeple at Sacred Heart Church. Later in life, he was employed as the office manager at the former Industrial Steel and Pipe Co. After retirement, he and Jane traveled to each of the 50 states as well as Mexico, Canada and Nova Scotia. They were fortunate to be able to spend their last few years together in their own home.
On August 28, 1948 Jerome married Jane Kronenwetter. His uncles, Fr. Jerome Rupprecht OSB, Fr. Norbert Rupprecht OSB and Fr. Melvin Rupprecht OSB offered a concelebrated wedding mass at the Sacred Heart Church where they remained lifetime members. Together they shared almost 75 years of love and happiness.
Jerome was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 70 years and was the oldest living member. He was also a member of the St. Joseph's Society where he enjoyed monthly meetings with his friends. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed deer and rabbit hunting. However, his true passion was fishing. He fished the local trout streams and enjoyed his trips to Erie and Canada for salmon. He never missed an opening day! Playing cards was another one of his pastimes. He especially liked the game of "cinch." He and Jane attended all the local tournaments and even taught his family how to play this fun card game. He looked forward to yearly camping trips and picnics at Twin Lakes with his grandchildren.
Jerome was a true family man; a loving husband, Dad, Pop-Pop and Great Pop-Pop. He was affectionately known as "Romie" to his family, "Whitey" to his friends and "Jitterbug" to his work family. He was a kind and gentle man, with a sharp mind and a great sense of humor.
Jerome is survived by his four children: Susan Schenfield, Mary Kay (Jim) Vollmer, Paul (Rita) Rupprecht and Jill (Tim) Bernett. He was proud of his ten grandchildren: Michael (Kristin) Vollmer, Eric (Taryn) Schenfield, Kati (Andy) Weiland, John (Julianna) Bernett, David Bernett, Stephen (Tia) Vollmer, David (Anna) Rupprecht, Michael Bernett, Andrew (Kendra) Bernett, and Dori (Bob) Sekelsky. He was blessed with nine great- grandchildren: Emma Vollmer, Lucas Schenfield, Kennedy Rupprecht, Eli Vollmer, Elias Schenfield, Jack Bernett, Anna Weiland, Grant Vollmer, Josie Bernett, and a new baby due in November. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mrs. James (Shirley) Rupprecht, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Jerome was the oldest of eight children and the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his four brothers; James, Robert, Herman, and Thomas and his three sisters; Monica Dornan, Martha Tucker, and Grace Rupprecht.
A Mass of Christian burial and Celebration of Life for Jerome G. Rupprecht will be celebrated on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 12 P.M. at Sacred Heart Church, 337 Center Street, St. Mary's, PA, 15857.
Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail.
Burial will follow in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.
There will be no public visitation.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary's Community Nurses.
"If someone should ask for me,
tell 'em heaven is where I'll be.
I've finished all my life's chores,
and now I fish on heaven's shores.
The view is grand and the fishing's great,
But I yearn for you as I wait.
I'll save a spot on the river's bend,
for all those I call family and friend.
But for now, sail out to sea
and make a cast in memory,
to all the good times that you had,
with me---your friend, your grandpa...your dad.
And if the fish no longer bite
or seem no longer worth the fight,
because it's me that you are missin',
don't worry---be glad---I've only gone fishin'."
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com