DAVIS, Rupert A. M. Of Arlington, Massachusetts, died suddenly from a heart condition on June 4th. Named after the English poet Rupert Brooke, Rupert was born in London, England in 1949 and raised in Norfolk. After the death of his father, Col. Peter Davis, a doctor, in 1961, his mother, Valerie (Martin) Davis, married Dr. Jack N.P. Davies, a renowned medical pathologist. Following his stepfather's postings, the family lived for several years in Uganda, and emigrated to Albany, New York where Rupert attended the Albany Academy. Rupert is survived by his half-brother, Nigel Davis, and his sister-in law, Anne Davies, both of New York State, and by his cousin, Cherry Edgerton-Bird of Maryland. Rupert studied art history and historic preservation at Boston University, and worked as an archivist and researcher at Harvard's Widener Library and the Bostonian Society, executive director of the Boston Preservation Alliance, and store manager of Schoenhof's Foreign Books and Shaker Workshops. He was a devoted congregant at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Cambridge, where he sang in the choir. He was a longtime member of the Boston Athenaeum and an avid reader, deeply informed on subjects ranging from Medieval architecture and liturgical vestments to the peccadilloes of the British royal family. Rupert was a committed preservationist and antiquarian, active in the New England Chapter of the Victorian Society in America, the Gibson House and the Old Schwamb Mill. Although he lived his entire adult life in the United States, he never lost his English accent, nor his courtly charm and delightfully raffish sense of humor. In every setting, he cultivated lasting friendships, and will be keenly missed. A service will be held at St. Peter's Church once social distancing restrictions allow in-person gatherings. Donations in Rupert's memory can be made to St. Peter's Church, 15 Sellers Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 or https://saintpeterscambridge.org/donations/ or to the Boston Athenaeum, Attn: Development Office, 10½ Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 or https://www.bostonathenaeum.org/. To leave a sympathy message for Rupert's family, please visit www.dolanfuneral.com

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Published by Boston Globe from Jun. 18 to Jun. 21, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for RUPERT DAVIS

5 Entries

Nick Argento

December 19, 2022

Rupert was one of my closest friends. We met in Cambridge at Scottish dancing and later plowing through old books and prints in Schoenhofs. He was a guest at our home for many holidays and plotted many adventures. Later, I asked Rupert to be the godfather for my daughter. I will truly miss him.

Peter Cook

July 20, 2020

I first met Rupert over 40 years ago, and we subsequently got together 3 or 4 time a year. Early on, we cross country skied together in NH and in the Albany NY area. More recently, as we both aged, less strenuous activities that often revolved around food became the norm. As fellow Englishmen, we always had some Anglo-centric issue that we would discuss, dissect and deliberate on. Rupert was a gentle and kind friend to me and my family, and he never complained about the medical/physical challenges he had to face. He will be missed. Ciao, Rupert.

Judy Cook

July 19, 2020

I first met Rupert in 1971 when he hired me to be his secretary in the Orders and Receipts Dept. at Harvard's Widener Library. After we both moved along to other jobs in the following years we always stayed in contact. Rupert was a true friend. He was godfather to my daughter Margaret. He visited my family often over the last 40 years. When he visited we would drive to see interesting villages and tour historic houses. He would bring an interesting cheese, we would provide the wine and there would be hours of conversation. He often came to visit over holidays and we saw him last at Thanksgiving 2019 then Covid 19 came and we missed seeing him during Easter. Little did we think that that would be the last time we would see him. He was a gentleman, intelligent, well read and informed on many subjects. We will truly miss his dry English wit and companionable presence. Though he lived in the United States for over 55 years he was an Englishman to the end.

Peggy Clarke

July 18, 2020

What a sad loss. Rupert was indeed a remarkable person - polite, charming, funny. A man of character. I will miss him.

June 21, 2020

Our dear Rupert was a breath of civilization in these declining times. His willpower overcame health problems, his broad culture, and (as this obituary says) his courtly charm has endeared him to us all. I shall always keep him in my prayers.

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