C. Robert "Bob" Ruppenthal M.D. Jr.

1935 - 2017

Carl Robert Ruppenthal, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, physician and friend, died January 11, 2017, at Southminster Retirement Community in Charlotte, NC.

Bob was born in Philadelphia, PA, on November 6, 1935, to Carl and Elizabeth Weir Ruppenthal. He graduated first in his class from Central High School, 198th Class in 1952, then attended and graduated from his beloved Haverford College. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania Medical School where he received his medical degree and was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. It was in Philadelphia that he met his future wife, Carolyn Magruder, whom he married in 1961. Bob served in the US Navy as a ship's physician on the USS Piedmont stationed in Japan and San Diego. Upon discharge, he completed his medical residency at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio, specializing in hematology.

In 1968, Bob and Carolyn moved their family of three sons to Charlotte where he practiced at the Nalle Clinic for the next 32 years. He was a skilled, compassionate physician, devoted to his patients and respected by his colleagues. Bob was a role model for many younger physicians. He served as the President of the Nalle Clinic from 1982-1984 and was Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at Charlotte Memorial Hospital from 1985-1987.

As an active member of the Myers Park Baptist Church for 48 years, Bob served in many capacities: Chair of the Board of Deacons, Sunday School teacher, Hanger of the Greens and choir member, to name a few. He was a volunteer in the community, donating his time to MedAssist, the Nalle Clinic Foundation, the Red Cross and on the Board of Directors of Southminster.

Bob enjoyed gardening, particularly his roses. He loved music, played the piano throughout his life and was a church organist in his younger days. He was a member of two book clubs, Between The Lines Bible study group, and The Grapenuts, a wine-tasting and lively discussion group. Family time was precious to him, especially vacations at Wrightsville Beach. His grandchildren lovingly called him "Grandbob" and cherished his sense of humor and playfulness. Bob was loved by family and friends as someone they could always turn to for wise advice and guidance.

He was predeceased in death by a son, Steven Fiske Ruppenthal. In addition to his beloved wife of 55 years, Carolyn, Bob is survived by his sons, John Ruppenthal and his wife, Bannon Preston of Kensington, MD, and Jeffrey Ruppenthal and his wife, Rachel Stewart of Davidson, NC; by grandchildren, Madison and Ethan, Ian and Sam; brother, Bruce Ruppenthal and his wife, Letty of Clarks Summit, PA; and sister, Sandra Derr of Willow Grove, PA.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 20, 2017, at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte. The family will receive friends in Heaton Hall following the service.

The family expresses deepest appreciation to Dr. Nilanjan Ghosh and his staff at the Levine Cancer Institute for their professional excellence and compassionate care.

Memorials may be sent to Myers Park Baptist Church, 1900 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207-2582, or to one's charity of choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Services, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204. (704) 641-7606. Online condolences at www.kennethpoeservices.com.