Surrounded by his family, John Harry Ruppel passed at Wildwood Care Centre on December 21, 2025 at the age of 79. John was the beloved husband of Mary (nee Pieroni), together for 57 years. He will be missed greatly by his children Karrie Ruppel-Francis (Jay), Kim Burkhardt (Jake) and Kris Ruppel (Karen). A proud and loving Grandfather of Jayden (Catherine), Wrae, Wren, Meko, Aysia, and Zach. Brother of Judy MacKay (Rod, deceased), Jill O’Connell (Brian) and brother-in-law of Laura Pieroni (Gerry, deceased), and Lorraine Hanson (Brad). Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Harry Conrad Ruppel and Eunice Beryl Ridewood.
John worked at Ruppel Home Hardware, eventually taking it over from his parents. After he retired and sold the hardware store, he worked on the grounds crew at the St. Marys Golf Club, where he also worked on his golf game. He had a passion for traveling, from yearly Arizona trips to sailing down the Danube on a riverboat cruise.
Cremation to take place. Visitation will be held on January 3, 2026 from 4 – 7 pm at the Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home, 47 Wellington St. S. St. Marys. Private family interment at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Golden Years Wildwood Care Centre, Alzheimer Society Huron Perth or the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation.
