METHUEN — Robert Charles "Hampa" Rupkey, 53, of Methuen, died Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at Lawrence General Hospital.

Mr. Rupkey was born in Lawrence, the son of Richard C. Rupkey and his wife Theresa M (Theriault) Rupkey. He was a graduate of Lawrence High School and was a decorated Vietnam veteran having served there in the Marine Corps. He was the recipient of the Army Jump School's "Iron Mike" trophy for being 1st in his paratrooper class at Fort Benning, Ga.

Mr. Rupkey worked as a finish carpenter in the home construction industry.
He attended St. Patrick's Church in Lawrence. He enjoyed visiting flea markets and collecting antiques.

He is survived by his soulmate of 19 years, Trisha St. Hilaire of North Andover; children, Kathleen Rupkey of Haverhill, Jessica St. Hilaire of North Andover, Robert Rupkey of North Andover, Keith Dutton of Lawrence and Jackie St. Hilaire of North Andover; sisters, Gail Alam of Georgia and Susan wife of Brad James of Amesbury; and grandchildren, Dany and Lexi, along with several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Linda Rupkey.