Ronald Bernard "Ron" Ruppen

Ronald Bernard Ruppen passed peacefully at home on October 15, 2024, at 93 years of age. Ron was born on August 15, 1931, the son of Nora and Edward Ruppen. He grew up in Allentown, above the Southside slopes, along with his four siblings. Ron rode long forgotten inclines up and down those slopes, as well as a sled which he purchased after his first payday as a paper boy. He graduated from Saint George's School in Allentown in 1949, having attended grades one through twelve.
Ron ice skated at Duquesne Gardens and the Rox Arena where he met his little red haired girl. He served during the Korean conflict as a radio operator in the mountains of Germany. Upon returning home he wed his red haired Clem to whom he was married for 68 years. Ron worked as a draftsman by day while earning a degree in mechanical engineering by night from the University of Pittsburgh. Once an engineer, always an engineer. With his analytical mind he could repair, rewire, rebuild, construct (deconstruct) and problem solve whatever was put before him. Very few questions went unanswered.
Ron had a passion for the outdoors which he passed on to his children and 10 grandchildren. Most weekends were spent with Gramps fishing for walleye, crappies and bluegill or hunting deer, turkey and small game. He had many adventures and memories with his sons and grandsons on the water and in the woods. Ron loved to garden, growing every vegetable under the sun along with his prized dahlias. Dahlia tubers have been generational and continue to abound throughout the family.
Ron was very proud of his grandchildren and their many accomplishments, always looking forward to a phone call with a good story, the latest career update, a test result or a trophy fish that had been caught.
His deep, Catholic faith led him through his final year without his Clem, knowing he would see her again. They are finally reunited.
His legacy and memory live on through his children, Ronald (Renee), Deborah (Larry), Patrick, Christopher (Kelly), and Jettie (Doug); Grandchildren Daniel, Aimee, Amanda, John, Brendan, Keenan, Conor (Carrie), Christopher, Casey and Callie; sisters Eileen and Diane; nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife Eileen, two brothers Edward and Donald and sister Mary.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday from 3-8 p.m. at Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray (724-941-3211). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Resurrection Parish, St. John Capistran Church on Saturday 10 a.m. Entombment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
Please add tributes at beinhauer.com