LaVale - Thomas Edward Ruppert, 88, of LaVale passed away on Friday, April 16, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. Born in Cumberland, MD on September 4, 1932, he was the son of the late Caroline (Staarman) and Frederick A. Ruppert. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his sisters, Kathleen Mikowski and husband Edmund, Angela Stroup and husband Ira; brother, Fred Ruppert and wife Janet; brother-in-law Arthur "Soupy" Lancaster. Tom was a graduate of LaSalle High School class of 1950. Following high school, Tom served his country in the First Marine Division Fifth Amphibious Armored Unit in Korea. After being discharged, Tom attended Potomac State College, and then graduated from the Maryland State Police Academy. Tom was a member of the Maryland State Police for 36 years. During that time, he was in charge of the Garrett County division for five years, and then was promoted to Sargent at the Cumberland barrack where he served until his retirement. Tom was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church Our Lady of the Mountains Parish. At the Church, he was a member of the Landscaping Committee, Church Usher, and assisted with the Parish dinners. He was a member of the Cumberland Council Knights of Columbus 586, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 40, Maryland State Police Alumni, and the Maplehurst Country Club. Tom was an avid golfer, and he especially enjoyed golf trips to Fayetteville, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC. Tom was a Baltimore Colts Football fan who switched his loyalty to the Baltimore Ravens. Tom is survived by his wife of 67 years, M. Elaine (Cook) Ruppert; children, Terrence E. Ruppert and partner James P. Earley, Palm Springs, CA, Thomas S. Ruppert and wife Rebecca, LaVale, and Nicole C. Ruppert and husband Kevin, Winchester, VA; grandchildren, Zachary Ruppert, Reid Malony, and Grant Malony; and sister, Joan Lancaster, Cumberland. Tom is also survived by many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Maryland State Veteran's Cemetery, Rocky Gap, on Friday, June 4, 2021, at 11 a.m. Combined honors will be accorded by the Fort Cumberland Post 13 Honor Guard and the Maryland State Police Honor Guard. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Zaman and his staff for the excellent compassion and care given to Tom, especially Marsha, Justine, Jennifer, and Amber. Additionally, the family would like to thank the Home Hospice Care Group from the UPMC Western Maryland Health Center. Those wishing to honor Tom's memory may do so by making a contribution to the UPMC Western Maryland Schwab Cancer Center or Home Hospice. Condolences for the family may be left at www.ScarpelliFH.com