In Loving Memory of Bob Rueppel

Old Orchard Family,

We recently learned the sad news of the passing of Bob Rueppel. Bob was instrumental to the establishment of the Old Orchard Swim Club, the Old Orchard Otters Swim Team and the Old Orchard Mini Meet. Bob also helped co-organize the first Cherry Bowl Swimming Championships. His legacy at the club and swim meets endures today.

Bob and Janice Rueppel joined Old Orchard because Janice loved to swim. Bob, who was not a swimmer himself, learned to swim a few years after joining the club. Most people know Bob as a kind family man who relished his role as cheerleader for his children and grandchildren, many of whom swam at Old Orchard, and at the high school and collegiate levels. He was also a great friend and mentor to countless swimmers and families.  

During the summer months, Bob could regularly be found on the pool deck working in various roles. His quiet, calming presence behind the blocks during Cherry Bowl and the Tri-County Swimming Championships promoted an atmosphere of confidence, reassurance, and focus for all the athletes as they prepared to race. Bob’s gentle and encouraging nature was most evident during the Mini Meet, which has given, and continues to give, thousands of emerging swimmers, and their families, their first chance to experience racing in a friendly Championship environment. 

The Philadelphia Inquirer estimated that the Mini Meet “has provided at least 13,000 children aged 9 years and younger with their first experience in competitive swimming. For his significant contributions, the event was renamed the "Bob Rueppel Mini-Meet" in 2009. Bob loved encouraging the younger swimmers and he joyfully presented the awards. He took time to ask each swimmer about their experience and swimming as he adorned them with a medal. Bob faithfully attended every Mini Meet from 1969 to 2023; when he could not attend in 2024, he sent us a note ahead of the meet and then called for a recap.  

In 1999, Bob was inducted into the Cherry Bowl Hall of Fame in recognition for his work and commitment in furtherance of the Cherry Hill swimming community, and in particular his beloved Old Orchard. During Old Orchard’s 50th anniversary year, in 2016, the swim team won the C Division and Cherry Bowl. This video features Bob discussing the humble beginnings of OOSC and also documents the Otters’ 2016 historic season. 

We will miss Bob and his wise counsel dearly, but we are sustained by gratitude for the gifts he gave to us as a community.  And for that, we say thank you and god speed.

Here is a link to Bob’s obituary.  

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Home of the Old Orchard Otters! OOSC is celebrating over 50 years of cool, summer fun! Come spend your relaxing and fun summer days with us! Bring along a book, suntan lotion, and the family and enjoy our full sized pool and kiddie pool! Light up a BBQ in one of our many grills in the grove, or simply enjoy some of our reasonably priced Snack Bar items! Get to know your neighbors and enjoy our many social events. Feel free to browse our events page to view the schedule of our activities. You can also view schedules for our swimming and diving teams.

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