Richard M. Rupchock

Richard Michael Rupchock, age 45, passed away in Iron River, Michigan where he had moved a few months ago from the South Bend, Indiana area. Rick was born March 3, 1963, grew up in Edwardsburg, MI graduated from Edwardsburg High School, and moved to the west coast where he graduated from the University of California, San Diego. He then completed his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) work at the University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy. Rick possessed a personal passion for helping others and a professional dedication to serving people in need. A quiet introvert by nature, he expressed himself in writing eloquence. Rick was a man of many talents. He could fix a diesel engine, remodel a bathroom, mix a complex chemo IV, and assemble quite a colorful outfit which he accessorized with his signature shy smile. Children and animals adored him, most especially his three nieces whom he cherished. Surviving Rick are his parents Carol and Stephen Rupchock of Niles, MI; brother Thomas Rupchock of South Bend, IN; brother Donald Rupchock (wife Toni) of Seattle, WA; sister Mary Rupchock Noble and niece Asha of Cairo, Egypt; and sister Kathryn Rupchock Pizzo (husband Michael) and nieces Tessa and Kara of Seattle, WA. A large extended family loved and supported him. Visitation will be at Hickey Funeral Home, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN on Sunday, January 11, 2009 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and one hour prior to services Monday in the church. A prayer service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 12 at St. Pius X Catholic Church (Fir and State Road 23) in Granger, IN. Interment will follow in Smith Chapel Cemetery in Niles, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Vincent De Paul Society through St. Pius X Catholic Church. Local arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard M. Rupchock, please visit our flower store.