Alex A.

Rupert

"Ladies and a gentle-persons..." a familiar greeting given by a well-loved man who was many things to many people. T. Alex Rupert, also known as Mr. Rupert, Rupert, Uncle Alex, Alex, Al, and dad; passed away after an extended illness on November 6, 2026.

Music, being one of his first loves, shaped the majority of his life. An accomplished musician and thesbian in his early years, he was talented enough to pick up most any instrument to play and was active in the marching band playing trumpet for Norwalk High School in Norwalk, Ohio. He was cast in several high school plays and musicals including, as Billy Bigelow in Carosel, and as Ugly John in the 1979 production of M*A*S*H that never saw opening night due to a record-breaking blizzard. He also focused on mastery on what would become his main instrument: a student double bass he named Barbara (not to be confused with the name of his future wife).

His accomplishments in early life led to the award of a scholarship to Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. There, he majored in the study of the double bass with a professional bass he named Betsy. He filled his free time at college with the breeding of freshwater fish, silversmithing and gem cutting, had a dedicated Dungeons and Dragons campaign with friends and read science fiction/fantasy books. He met his wife, Barbara in college and they married soon after their graduation.

Alex and Barb settled down on a property near Cambridge Springs, PA where he enjoyed working on the family house, gardening and his pet cats and dogs. His early careers included selling jewery at J.B. Robinson and running the fudge shop at Waldameer Park. He pursued his calling by aquiring a teaching certificate from Edinboro University and starting teaching at Union City Elementary School in 1989.

As a teacher, he poured himself into the education of his students; using music to enrich, soothe, and expand the boundaries of his students. Alex saw every student in the school at least once per week and taught general music class, choir, specialized instuments, and the performance of musicals. He wove history throughout his lessons and brought in a steel drum specialist for a week each year to expose his students to the many facets of music. Alex directed many school performances including Christmas Chorus shows, All Star Sing, and many of the works of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Many people know Alex by the allias of 'Doctor Fudge', the fundraiser he operated where he made boxed fudge for his students to sell; the proceeds benefitting the Union City music program and sponsoring trips to see Broadway performances such as the Lion King and Phantom of the Opera. Some of his students found much needed solace in his classroom and comfort in his bearhugs; sometimes described as a mixture of Hagrid and Dumbledoor, many of those friendships lasted many decades. Alex and his family enjoyed many years amongst former students and attended holidays, graduation parties and frog jumping contests with these special people.

After his music teaching career concluded in 2020, Alex started his second act by running a stained glass supply and class studio. Since 2009, Ruperts Honeyglass Studios has been selling supplies and teaching small studio classes with Alex at the helm. Many memories and friendships have sprung from these years as a business. After his passing, the studio will be run by appointment.

Alex leaves behind a wife, a daughter and many dogs and cats that loved him very much. Alex was very fond of the book Illusions by Richard Bach and took comfort in the wisdom of the words; one such quote goes as such: "Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends".

Services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. 

Memorial contributions can be made to WQLN at www.WQLN.org or to any Dog Organization.

Funeral arrangements were made by Braden-Askins Cremation and Funeral Services, LLC 8354 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, Pa 16509.