Gary Stephen Ruppert

Gary Stephen Ruppert, age 85, of Clifton, NJ  passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.  Born in Passaic, New Jersey on September 26, 1937 to Joseph and Anna (nee Shimko) Ruppert.  He attended the Clifton public school system before entering active duty with the United States Navy in August 1955 where he proudly served until September 1958, including over 14-months of collective foreign and sea service.  Following active duty he remained with the US Naval Reserve until August 1961.

Not too long after leaving active military service in April 1959, Gary married his childhood sweetheart, Carole (nee Salzer) and by the fall of 1965 they purchased their life-long Clifton home where they raised their two children and resided together until her passing in January 2009. 

During the his children's school years, Gary enthusiastically volunteered his limited free time in their extracurricular school and church activities by participating in fundraisers, supporting band activities, and chaperoning trips.

Many who knew Gary, would considered him the "King of the DIYers" and the proverbial "Mr. Fix-It".  Whether it involved automotive repairs, house maintenance, or landscaping, virtually nothing seemed to deter him within limits from tackling a project.  He was a very hands-on, mechanically inclined guy who got things done applying practical common sense and sound judgment.  In fact, starting in 1984, he and Carole, personally designed and spent many long weekends and vacations (with a little help from family & friends) constructing their seasonal house on 40-acres in New York's Catskill Mountains.  A truly monumental undertaking and labor of love that yielded a delightful secluded getaway while pushing the meaning of the term "sweat equity".  His inspirational "make it happen" attitude will be greatly missed.

Prior to retiring in 2003, he worked 16-years at John N. Fehlinger Co Inc. servicing high pressure steam and hot water valves in and around the NYC metro area for large venues ranging from commercial and residential buildings to industrial manufacturing facilities, hospitals and schools including notable places such as the World Trade Center Twin Towers, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, Columbia University, and the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant.  Prior to that, Gary worked over 25-years for Leslie Company in Parsippany, NJ which manufactured most of the high-pressure valves that he serviced with Fehlinger, leaving the company only after deciding to remain in NJ when Leslie closed and moved operations to Tampa FL in 1986.

Gary was dedicated to his Catholic Faith serving as an altar boy at St. Stephen RC Church in Passaic, being a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart RC Church in Clifton and worshiping for the past 11 years at St Philip the Apostle RC Church of Clifton, NJ.

Survivors include: two devoted children, Karen Galeazzi and her husband, Robert, of Flanders, NJ, and Gary S. Ruppert Jr. and his wife, Karen, of Cedar Park, TX; four grandchildren, Brian Galeazzi and his wife Corinne, Mellissa Gassib and her husband, Benjamin, Jessica Ruppert, and Christopher Ruppert and his wife, Meaghan; three great grandchildren: Cali Gassib, Benjamin Gassib, and Brooklyn Ruppert.  Gary was predeceased by his brother, Joseph and sister-in-law Sofie.  He will be missed by his extended family and the many friends whose lives he touched over the years.

Visitation will be held at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton on Monday morning from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm followed by a 12:30 pm Service. Entombment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Paterson.  Visit www.bizubquinlan.com for the more information and to leave condolences on the Tribute Wall section of the obituary.

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