John Joseph Ruppel

John Joseph Ruppel, long-time resident of Thurmont and Sabillasville, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Spring Arbor of Frederick in Frederick, Maryland. He was 86 years old.

Born on December 21, 1939, in Baltimore, Maryland, John was the son of William Charles and Helen Elizabeth (Smith) Ruppel. He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth James Ruppel.

John was the devoted husband of the late Elizabeth Ellen (Sadler) Ruppel for 60 years.

John graduated from St. Anselm’s Priory School in Washington, DC. He briefly attended the University of Miami and the University of Maryland before enlisting in the US Navy. During his active-duty service, he served as an Avionics Technician. Afterward, he transitioned to the US Naval Reserves, where he served in aviation maintenance for over 20 years. He retired with the rank of W-4.

John’s extensive Navy service provided him with the education he needed for his career as a reliability engineer. He worked for several aviation contractors, contributing to the development of dependable aircraft, including the F-22 and the B-2 stealth bomber.

John’s interests were diverse, spanning hiking, camping, backpacking, hunting, scuba diving, motorcycle riding, target shooting, and canoeing. He was an exceptional teacher, certified to instruct in various areas such as EMS, ATV safety, Scout leadership, and camping. Additionally, he held the certification of a Range Safety Officer. For fun, he engaged in computer programming and utilized his expertise to support the organizations he worked with.

For over four decades, John was deeply involved in Boy Scouts, holding numerous positions. His longest tenure was as Assistant Scout Master for Troop 270 in Thurmont, MD, but he also served as Cub Master, Explorer Post Advisor, High Adventure Coordinator, and Woodbadge Staff. He was a dedicated member of the Order of the Arrow, an esteemed Scouting honor society, and cherished sharing his time and knowledge with young people. Alongside his wife, Beth, he served as an advisor for numerous high adventure trips, including backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, scuba diving at Sea Base in Florida, and canoeing in the Boundary Waters in Minnesota.

After his semi-retirement from his engineering career, John became involved in volunteering with EMS. He held the EMT certification and was a first responder for three EMS companies: Emmitsburg Ambulance Company 26, Thurmont Ambulance Company 30, and Fountaindale (PA) Fire Company 3. His commitment extended beyond his work, as he actively participated in fundraisers, especially bingo, for the companies he volunteered with.

He is survived by two children, Joan Michael Hertel and husband Bill, and Thomas Jon Ruppel and wife Lis; seven grandchildren, Brandon, Colin, Dylan, David, Heather, Corwyn (and wife Kat), and Galen; three great-grandchildren, Savanah, Michael, and Amy; nephew, Theodore Daniel Stringer and wife Nancy; great-nephews, Colin and Joshua; and sister-in-law, Penelope Sadler Ziepolt.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Stauffer Funeral Home, P.A. (Thurmont), 104 East Main St. in Thurmont, MD.

A Funeral Service will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 103 North Church Street in Thurmont, MD. Internment will be at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, MD.