Thomas Frederick Rupp

     Thomas Frederick Rupp of Naples, Florida, formerly of Sylvania, Ohio, died peacefully Monday, January 9 in Atlanta, Georgia surrounded by his family after a difficult illness. Tom was born November 15, 1934 in Toledo Ohio to Walding G. and Helen F. (Henzler) Rupp.

    Tom was a 1953 graduate of Devilbiss High School and a 1961 graduate of the University of Toledo where he received a BS in mechanical engineering. While at UT, he was an active member of the SAE fraternity. Tom was a gifted engineer and worked 43 years at Libbey Glass in Toledo, Oh. He was fascinated with astronomy and was also a passionate sailor, having spent his growing-up summers since the age of 14 sailing the waters of Lake Erie off Put-in-Bay. This may well have been the inspiration for his memorable stint in the Navy and certainly led to his serving 15 years as a member of the board of directors of the Put-In-Bay Yacht Club including a term as commodore. He was also involved with the Interlake Yachting Association for many years.

    On June 19, 1965, Tom married Carol Ann Helfrich of Toledo and quickly inherited a very large extended family. A man of deep faith, Tom, along with Carol, served 15 years as a volunteer for the Marriage Encounter programs in Toledo. One of Tom's great loves was the family cottage at Put-in-Bay, Ohio where his parents honeymooned in the 1920's. Tom was a brilliant woodworker and loved to restore antiques. He and Carol took great pride in maintaining both that historical residence and the 25-foot wooden Lyman boat he had for many years.

    His winters in Naples Florida led to a new dimension of sailing as he built and raced radio-controlled sailboats, but his greatest love was for his family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brother John (Betty). He is survived by his sister, Barbara (Ted) Weiant, his three children, Kristin (Sam) Wygant of Sylvania, Michael of Toledo and Margot (Jeff) of Sylvania, along with 7 grandchildren who were a great source of joy and consolation after Carol's sudden death in 1997. Tom was also blessed with the special companionship of Carolyn Baker. She and her children, Sister Anne Elizabeth, Leanne (Alan) West, and John (Christine) Little, and Carolyn’s 3 grandchildren have been a central part of his life and grieve his passing along with his family and friends.

     Please pay your respects at the Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main St. Sylvania Ohio 43560, on Thursday, January 19 from 2-8 pm with a scripture service at 7:30pm. Funeral Mass will be Friday, January 20, 10 am, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sylvania Ohio. Interment Toledo Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please direct any memorial contributions to the Put-in-Bay Community Swim & Sail program or to the American Cancer Society.