The Rev. Norbert A. Rupprecht, O.S.B., 88, a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey, died Saturday, December 28, 1996, after an extended illness.

Fr. Norbert was born in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, on September 22, 1908, and was graduated from St. Mary’s Parochial School there. He then went to Saint Vincent and was graduated from Saint Vincent Scholasticate, College and Seminary. He also pursued graduate studies at Catholic University of America and at Western Reserve University. He professed his first monastic vows on July 2, 1928, and was ordained to the priesthood June 17, 1934, by the late Bishop Hugh C. Boyle of Pittsburgh.

As a member of the Saint Vincent Community, Fr. Norbert served in many administrative and teaching posts of the institution. From 1934 to 1939 he was prefect and teacher in the Preparatory School, where he also served as director of athletics for two years.

At the College, he served as dean of men and as director of athletics. During World War II, he preached missions to American military personnel, and from 1945 to 1969, he became well known for his work in the Mission Band by preaching throughout the United States and Canada. In 1969 he was appointed pastor of St. Boniface Parish in North Side, Pittsburgh, and in 1985 he became pastor emeritus. He returned to Saint Vincent Archabbey in 1989.

Fr. Norbert is survived by a sister, Helene Benton of St. Marys and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rose (Rumpelein) Rupprecht, and by a sister and eight brothers, including the late Rev. Melvin C. Rupprecht, O.S.B., and the late Rev. Jerome J. Rupprecht, O.S.B.