Jules Robert Ryckebusch

Jules Robert Ryckebusch, age 85, peacefully passed on a bright, Sunday morning on November 2, 2025, at the home of his beloved partner Barbara Acksen in Fairhaven Massachusetts. Born in Boston on February 12, 1940, Jules lived life to the fullest. He was an academic who loved Rock & Roll and dancing. He was a scholar, a poet, an art aficionado, and a thespian. If he wasn't rooting for The Red Sox, you might find him behind the wheel of a fancy sports car. He was a staunch activist and a generous philanthropist who donated to numerous organizations and causes. He was a man of sharp wit with a wry sense of humor. Jules was a man-about-town, particularly in his home city of New Bedford, where most in the community knew him fondly as Jules.

Jules was born to his father, Jules G. Ryckebusch, and mother, Lois Ryckebusch. He was predeceased by his late wife of thirty years, Margaret Ryckebusch. Prior to marrying Margaret, Jules was married to Sandra Bierbrauer – the mother of Jules's three eldest children. He is survived by his longtime partner Barbara Acksen, and his five children: Jules G. Ryckebusch, George Ryckebusch, Emilie Cohen, Matthew Ryckebusch and Justin Ryckebusch. Jules also leaves behind two close cousins, Susan Chambers and David Duggan. He had 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Jules attended South Hadley High School, class of 1958, where he was on the debate team. As an undergraduate, he graduated from American International College. His graduate studies were at UMass Amherst where he also taught. He also conducted doctoral studies at UCLA.

Jules retired as Professor Emeritus of English and Communications at Bristol Community College where he worked for 35 years. He was founding faculty at BCC where his career first began in 1966. It was also at BCC where he met his wife, Margaret. At BCC, Jules chaired the English department and directed the Communications Program. In the early 1970s, Jules hosted poetry readings at the college featuring the likes of Allen Ginsberg and W.H. Auden. Famously, in early August 1992, Jules spearheaded The Lizzie Borden Conference, a three-day conference that brought together mystery lovers, descendants of figures in the Borden case, scholars, and Lizzie buffs from as far away as Sweden and Australia.

The major textbook on the Lizzie Borden murder case, Proceedings, was edited by Jules. He was also a co-publisher of the Lizzie Borden Quarterly. To this day his video interviews are definitive works of expertise on the case (just look up Lizbits on YouTube).

Jules was a crossword aficionado (a "cruciverbalist") and a published poet. His most notable poetry publication is Tangible & Other Poems. In the mid-1980s he chaired the Poetry Sessions at the Northeast Modern Language Association conferences. When he read his poetry, it resembled a theatrical performance. Jules deeply appreciated the performing arts. He was a Your Theater board member, and acted in several of the company's plays in the 1980's. He performed in plays at Bristol Community College, including The Importance of Being Earnest directed by Rylan Brenner. Even in the classroom, his teaching style was highly entertaining and lively. He basked in his love of language and told stories with more than a creative flair.

Having lived through the 50s and 60s, Jules was passionate and knowledgeable about the culture and music of that era. He saw The Beatles, The Doors and The Rolling Stones live at a time when these bands were first emerging. He also enjoyed visiting fine art museums and "taking in" a Broadway play. And, boy did he love cars! Over the years, he owned an Austin Healy, a BMW 530i, a Porsche 911, a Mercedes 300SD Turbo Diesel, a Shelby Mustang, a Ferrari 308 GTS, and an Auburn Boattail Speedster, just to mention a few.

In his retirement years, Jules enjoyed frequenting local restaurants and music venues in the New Bedford and Fairhaven area - often to hear his son, Matt, play live music with the rest of his talented ensemble. Jules appreciated a fine meal always paired with Dewar's Scotch. His venue of choice was undoubtedly The Wamsutta Club in New Bedford where he was a proud member for many years. Jules Ryckebusch's impact on the community was far reaching such that in 2022 The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick named him as their Man of the Year.

If you happened to run into him, you'd find him with that Scotch in hand, likely quoting Oscar Wilde, or boogying down to Little Richard.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to raise a glass, remember Jules's mischievous wink, and honor his spirit by dancing freely, laughing often, and living each day with the same fearless joy he shared with all of us.

Jules visiting hours will be held Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial will take place privately.