TO THE EDITOR: Our world is a better place because Gary Rupert was with us.
A successful businessman, Gary and his family came to Bedminster over 20 years ago to provide his young children the experience of life on a working farm. Three Meadows Farm soon became a success, hosting a popular farm stand and providing ingredients to local restaurants.
At the time, local government was characterized by infighting, creating turmoil and controversy that resulted in unneeded litigation. Gary led a group, along with Bob Holtaway, that reformed local politics, creating an environment where good schools, low taxes, and open space are our core values.
Gary’s trademark was his generosity. While he was blessed with great resources, it was his personal generosity that set him apart.
With the revival of Bedminster’s Fall Fest in 2011, if the event needed hay bales, farm tractors, or animals for the petting zoo, Gary was quick to make his available.
When the Clarence Dillon Public Library opened their community garden, Gary Rupert was the master gardener who provided personal instruction to the patrons.
A few years ago, Gary’s life changed, and he moved closer to a new job.
He sold his farm to the Somerset Hills Learning Institute, providing a working farm for young people with autism to develop skills for future independence. He continued to serve on the board of that organization until his passing.
For a busy man, Gary always seemed to have time for you. He would always call you back and treat you like you were the most important person in the world.
Oh, and by the way, if you were fortunate enough to spend some time with Gary, he was a lot of fun to be around.
Gary’s legacy will be defined by the many, many people to whom he leant a helping hand over the years.
We will sorely miss him and thank his family for sharing him with us.
STEVE and CAITLYN PARKER
Airport Road
Bedminster Township
Editor’s note: Mr. Rupert, a former Bedminster resident and Republican Party chairman, died on Thursday, July 13. Services were held on Wednesday, July 19, at Saint Benedict Church in Holmdel, with arrangements by the Holmdel Funeral Home.
This letter was written by Steve Parker, a former mayor of Bedminster, and submitted with the following list of names:
John Barnak, Stone Run Road, Bedminster; Jim Brady III, Black River Road, Bedminster; Jim and Kathy Christie, Fairview Drive, Bedminster; Al Gaburo, Former Somerset County Republican Chair; Colin and Wendy Hickey, Desiree Court, Bedminster; Tim Howes, Hillcrest Avenue, Gladstone; Tess and Rich Johnson, Ski Hill Drive, Bedminster; Renee Mareki, Bedminster Committeewoman; Bernie and Chris Pane, Autumn Ridge Road, Bedminster; George Rodelius, Laura Lane, Bedminster; Antony Sanchelli, Lil Pickles Deli, Karla Drive, Whippany; Judy Sullivan, The Villages, Fla.; John Belardo, Mt. Kemble Avenue, Morristown; Lance and Deonne Boxer, Burnham Road, Naples, Fla.; Jack Ciattarelli, former Assemblyman, Hillsborough; David and Deborah Groendyke, Enclave Lane, Bedminster; Bob and Diane Holtaway, Laura Lane, Bedminster; Larry and Mimi Jacobs, Hillside Avenue, Bedminster; Ron Kennedy, Brook Hollow Road, Gladstone; Marshall McLean, Lloyd Road, Bernardsville; Sally and Mike Rubin, Guinea Hollow Road, Califon; Staci and Drew Santucci, Airport Road, Bedminster; Chris Walker, Old Mountain Road, Lebanon; Liza Pizarro-White, Okura Lane, Bedminster; Sean Blinn, Encampment Drive, Bedminster; Finn and Emily Caspersen, Old Farm Lane, Bedminster; Tony DeVirgillo, Burnt Mills Road, Bedminster; Carol Guttschall, Heatherwood Lane, Bedminster; Roman Hnidj, Annie’s Deli, Stonybrook Road, Branchburg; Zaheer and Neena Jan, Timberbrooke Drive, Bedminster; Jeff Leonard, Wescott Road, Bedminster; Joe Metelski, Fairview Drive, Bedminster; Nicole Paulino Smoke Rise Lane, Bedminster; Ed Russo, Duval Street, Key West, Fla.; Doug Stevinson, Ski Hill Drive, Bedminster; and Dan and Diane Walker, Campbells Brook Road, Whitehouse Station.
Editor’s note: This Letter to the Editor originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.