Mark Robert Ruppel, a long-time Mount Pleasant community member and dedicated public servant, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the age of 56 in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Born on June 1, 1969, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mark lived a life marked by commitment to community, family, and service.

Mark was the husband of Megan Keeffe Baker for over twenty-one years, and the dear father of their two daughters, Rowan Ruppel and Riley Ruppel, the joy and pride of his life. Together, Mark and Megan created for their daughters a loving, tight-knit community of friends here in Mount Pleasant who have become cherished family. The generosity, love, and strength of this incredible community are a legacy that Mark built for his family, one that is sustaining them through this very difficult time.

Born to Robert Lawrence Ruppel and Eileen Marie Diggin Ruppel, both of whom preceded him in death, Mark was also predeceased by his sister, Lisa Marie Ruppel. He is survived by his brother, Larry Ruppel, who alongside his wife Lori, resides in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, and his sister Susan Reckitt and her husband Stephen, living in Bluffton, South Carolina. Mark leaves behind his mother-in-law Margaret Keeffe Baker and three more sisters-in-law: Elizabeth Baker, married to Joel Vande Vusse; Amy Baker, married to Lynn Mount; and Casey White Baker, spouse of Megan’s late brother Jay Baker. Mark loved being an uncle to his three nieces: Maggie Rose Ruppel, Olivia Vande Vusse and Eleanor Vande Vusse, who spent many loving summers with Mark, Megan, and their cousins here in South Carolina.

After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree from Bethany College, Mark began his professional career at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Transplant Department as a liver transplant coordinator. It was transplant medicine and organ donation that brought Mark to Mount Pleasant where he embarked on an impactful career in public service. He joined the Mount Pleasant Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter serving over twenty years. He went on to dedicate his professional career to emergency management and public safety. Over the course of his career, Mark worked for the City of Charleston, Charleston Police Fund, Kiawah Island Community Association, and the County of Charleston. During his service with the City of Charleston, Mark contributed to the strengthening of the Charleston Fire Department after the Sofa Super Store tragedy in 2007, and in 2015, as the City’s Emergency Manager, Mark partnered with national, municipal and community leaders in the response to the horrific Emanuel A.M.E. shooting.

Beyond his career, Mark’s life was grounded in volunteerism. In addition to his service as a volunteer firefighter, Mark contributed to many local organizations. Some were particularly special to his heart – he served as the president of the Low Country Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation for 8 years, working tirelessly to support children and families navigating this disease which he himself had lived with since the age of 4. Mark also served as a board member of My Sister’s House, a shelter dedicated to aiding victims of domestic violence. Mark cherished his weeks’ at Camp Adam Fisher, volunteering to take care of the youngest campers as they learned how to care for their Type I Diabetes. Most recently he supported his daughters in their commitment to the Community Service Project at the University School of the Lowcountry, working side by side delivering diapers, produce, books, clothing and fun to young children in some of the underserved areas of our community.

As a prankster, magician and all around fun guy, Mark would want us to all find the joy in life, smile more, laugh often, and not take things too seriously.

Mark’s Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 3:00 pm at St. Andrew's Historic Church, located at 438 Whilden Street. Following the service, a reception will be held in Sams Hall, offering friends and family an opportunity to gather in remembrance of Mark and express their support for his family.

In lieu of flowers, Mark’s family asks that donations be sent in his memory to: Camp Adam Fisher through the Camp’s website, https://campadamfisher.com/

or by mail to Camp Adam Fisher, P.O.Box 2543, Charleston, S.C. 29203-2543 and the Community Service Project at the University School of the Low Country: https://USLowcountry.org.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.