Duane E. “Dewey” “Rupe” Rupert, 69, of Williamsport passed away, Friday, September 06, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer at home with his sisters, Debbie and Kelly by his side.
Born April 19, 1955 in Williamsport, he was a son of the late, Charles H. and Eleanor (Labuski) Rupert.
He was a 1973 graduate of Williamsport High School. Dewey enjoyed taking the road “less traveled.” Everyone who ever knew Dewey loved him. He always brought laughter, fun, and good cheer to everyone he met. Invariably, he was the life of the party anywhere.
Dewey enjoyed hard work, picking corn the summer after high school, moving on soon after to work with friends and the old Helmrich brothers at their seafood business for a few years before trading in his scaling knife and apron for a suit and a start in the financial services industry.
In the early 80’s he moved to New Hampshire, settling into a career as a mortgage loan officer.
In 1991, Dewey moved to the Boulder, Colorado, where he lived for 6 years, with joining old friends and as always spreading cheer and making new friends.
He moved back to the East Coast in the late 90’s settling in the Maine and New Hampshire area. For ten years he lived with his Fiancée in New Durham, New Hampshire near Lake Winnipesauke, the inspiration for the name of his beloved dog Winnie P. Sauki.
Dewey was always very active throughout his life. As an adult he challenged himself with hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. He summited 14 fourteen- thousand feet peaks in Colorado. He hiked and biked the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Quite simply put, he was always on the move.
He loved music, poetry and his favorite authors. All animals, the New York Yankees, Giants, and the Boston Celtics. He was an avid Notre Dame fan, attending many games. He along with his friends were known to sing the Notre Dame fight song at establishments in Williamsport and at Christmas time followed it with God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in death by a brother- in- law, Samuel L. Bierly. He is survived by his sisters Deborah Bierly, Mill Hall, PA and Kelly (Terry) Shannon, Virginia Beach, Va., nephews Samuel C. Bierly (Courtney), Patrick (Jill) Bierly, Nieces Tiffany Douville, Tabitha (Hunter) Hopcroft as well as great nephews and great nieces. He is also survived by many friends, some from elementary school and Junior high school, long time friends throughout the years, and new friends. All of whom he loved. The list of his friend names is very long and many visited throughout his illness offering support and encouragement. Their visits always managed to make him smile and were the highlights of his day.
There will be no visitation or service at the request of the family. Internment will be at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Duane’s name may be made to Susquehanna Health Foundation c/o Home Care & Hospice, 1001 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701.
Online condolences may be made on Duane’s memorial page at http://www.SandersMortuary.com
