John Peter Rugheimer

John Peter Rugheimer, Jr., 77, of Johns Island, South Carolina, husband of Janet Thomas Rugheimer, entered into eternal rest Saturday, January 30, 2016. A Gathering of Friends will be held Thursday, February 4, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

Pete was born October 9, 1938 in Charleston, South Carolina, son of John Peter Rugheimer and Caroline Holcombe Rugheimer. Born and raised in the Lowcountry, he graduated from St. Andrews High School in 1956. Pete attended Clemson University and graduated in 1961. He went on to become a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy (Communications) during the Vietnam War until 1964 and was stationed in Japan. Following his military service he worked briefly at SCE&G, then moved to Sumter to work for the Campbell Soup Company as a Purchasing Agent. He returned home in 1968 to become the Assistant County Manager for Charleston County Government. He later became a Vice-President of DeStefano-Rugheimer Company (DRC) from 1971 – 1989. He then established and served as President of Rugheimer Associates, Inc. in 1989 until retirement.

Pete held numerous certifications and memberships in many professional organizations within the construction and real estate fields. He obtained his private pilot's license and was a member of the Professional Aerial Photographers' Association. He was a past member of the Charleston Country Club and served on the Charleston County Planning Board from 1983–1987.

Pete led a very active life volunteering and working in many Lowcountry organizations. He was a member of the Clemson University Alumni Association, a District Director for the Charleston County Clemson Alumni Association, and a Life Sponsor and National Trustee of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. He served on the Advisory Board for the Boy Scouts of America in 1974, was a member of the Johns Island Steering Committee in 1988-89 and was the Division Chairman for the United Fund Campaign. After his retirement, he became one of the first volunteers (known as the "Old Salts") that helped to rebuild the tall-ship known as the "Spirit of South Carolina".
He is survived by his wife, Janet Rugheimer of Johns Island, SC; daughter, Kristin Rugheimer DuPree (Kevin) of James Island, SC; son, John Peter Rugheimer, III (Meagan) of James Island, SC; and seven grandchildren: Carter, Jacob, Lucas, Taylor, Meagin, McKenna, and John IV.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Lowcountry Open Land Trust, a group that focuses on protecting precious Lowcountry lands, Fisher House Charleston, a project that will provide a comfortable refuge for families of patients at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, or a charity of your choice.