Frankie Albert Rupert

Frankie Albert Rupert, affectionately known as “Junebug,” passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Hospital at the age of 76. Having fought the good fight and kept the faith, he entered into eternal rest.

Frankie was born on January 7, 1949, in Youngstown, Ohio, at South Side Hospital, to proud parents Clarence and Rosy Lee Rupert. He graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1967, where he held a record in high hurdles for many years and participated in multiple sports, including boxing. Just two weeks after earning his diploma, Frankie was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country with honor for three years during the Vietnam War.

Throughout his working years, Frankie was employed at Youngstown Sheet and Tube, General Motors, and later the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA), where he faithfully worked for 20 years before retiring in 2009.

Frankie’s faith was central to his life. He was baptized at Triedstone Baptist Church in 1981 and became a devoted member of Rising Star Baptist Church in 1987, where he served as a Deacon. He was active in numerous ministries including the Jail and Prison Ministries, where he shared his testimony and offered hope to incarcerated men. He also sang in the choir, participated in the drama ministry—especially the annual Easter Play—and regularly attended and taught Bible study. He was especially known for his moving rendition of “I Am Redeemed”.

A man of many passions, Frankie loved studying and sharing God’s Word, especially with his grandchildren. He was a proud and enthusiastic Cleveland Browns fan and cherished the memory of meeting the legendary Jim Brown as a child. Frankie also had a talent for music, playing the saxophone, and was a familiar face at the Youngstown Playhouse where he performed in several productions. He enjoyed traveling, dancing, taking pictures, playing cards, testing your listening skills, and relaxing on the porch.

Frankie is survived by his devoted wife, Sylvia Rupert, whom he married on April 27, 2012. She will always treasure the memories they made together. Forever in their hearts are his one and only beloved and talented daughter, Marquetta Monique Rupert, and his big-hearted grandson, Nygel Lee-Rupert Rhinehart, both of Columbus, Ohio. He also leaves his stepdaughter, Jennifer (Maurice) Hightower of Youngstown, and grandchildren Amari, Chevar Jr., Jamire, and Gianna—aka “Gigi”—who held a special place in his heart.

He is also survived by two loving sisters, Delilah (James) Cecil and Arelene Rupert-Salter, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Frankie was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Noah Lee-Rupert Rhinehart; and loved ones Rosy Mae Turner, Ronald Rupert, Grover Lee Campbell, Marva Reynolds, and Barbara Ann Braggs.

Frankie Albert Rupert’s legacy of faith, laughter, service, and song lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

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