PETER ANTHONY RUPAS

Peter Anthony Rupas was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on September 1st, 1949.  He was the son of Anthony and Esther Rupas, and the oldest of four siblings, his late brother Bill, sister Margo, and brother Nick.  A consistent theme throughout Peter's life was his ability to overcome the odds.  Peter lost his father at a young age, but he worked hard and was able to graduate from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.  He then went on to have a long successful career at both Ford and Chrysler as an environmental engineer.

Peter met the love of his life Barbara in 1986, and they were married for thirty-four years, creating a beautiful life together.  They had their only son Matthew in 1990 and they both worked hard to give him every opportunity that they didn't have growing up.  He dedicated his life to being a loving husband and father.  Over the years, Peter was able to make amazing memories traveling the world with his family.  Together they took family vacations up north, Florida trips in the winter, and fun adventures all over Europe.

Family was everything to Peter.  He liked checking in on his siblings, cousins, and his mother Esther.  Peter also felt warmly welcomed and accepted by the Sarkisian family and he loved playing games of progressive rummy with them.  He was so proud of his son Matthew and would always light up when talking about his accomplishments.

Peter had a warm smile and always had a clever one liner ready to make you laugh.  He was a kindhearted and thoughtful person, always trying to do nice things for others.  He loved to sing in the mornings and listen to his Greek music in the backyard.  He also enjoyed playing with electronics and especially loved his Arnold Schwarzenegger movies, always saying “I’ll be back”.

Two and half years ago, Peter was unfortunately diagnosed with lung cancer.  He was committed to doing everything he could to beat his cancer and he braved constant treatments, hospital visits, and procedures.  He was motived by the goal of being able to be at his only son Matthew’s wedding.  By the grace of God, Peter was able to happily stand next to his son at his wedding in Cyprus this past summer.  It was such a blessing to have him be there, smiling, dancing, and enjoying himself with family.  We will cherish these memories with Peter for the rest of our lives.

Peter will be dearly missed by those who loved him, may his memory live on in all of us.

FAMILY MEMBERS

Peter leaves behind his beloved wife Barbara and his loving son Matthew (Marilly Palettas) Rupas.  He is survived by his sister Margo Rupas and brother Nick (Cindy) Rupas.  He is also survived by his mother-in-law Nina (the late Albert) Sarkisian, brother-in-law Dr. Edward (Anna) Sarkisian, sister-in-law Linda (the late Frank) Houhanisin, sister-in-law Lisa (Steven) Derderian, and brother-in-law Allan (Rachel) Sarkisian. Peter also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews: Christine (Scott) Jastrow, Diana Badr, Sara (Morgan) Bell, George (Dr. Sarah Johnson) Houhanisin, Dn. Dr. Aram (Dr. Diana Ohanian) Sarkisian, Tyler Sarkisian, and Emma Sarkisian.  He is also survived by grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Visitation will take place on October 5, 2022 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm in St John Armenian Church, 22001 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 49075 with Dan Gark prayers at 6:00pm. The family will also received friends in church on Thursday from 10:00am until time of the funeral service at 11:00am. Interment will be in White Chapel Cemetery, Troy, MI

MEMORIAL DONATIIONS

In lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation in Peter’s honor to the following organizations:

St. John Armenian Church, OR AHEPA - American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association

CONDOLENCES

Kindly click on "Share a Memory" and leave a loving remembrance here. Later, click on "Tribute Wall" to view them.

FLORISTS

Please deliver floral arrangements directly to the church 

THANK YOU

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