Msgr. Robert Hupp, 88; Head of Boys Town Opened Facility to Girls
Msgr. Robert Hupp, 88, who headed Boys Town from 1973 until 1985 and turned it into Girls and Boys Town, has died in a Wisconsin hospital of a viral infection, his family said Saturday.
When he took over the Omaha facility for troubled boys, the institution had been cited by the Omaha Sun for a growing net worth that was not being spent to take care of boys. Near retirement, Hupp took on the assignment reluctantly.
Nevertheless, he overcame the criticisms and instituted several changes, including opening the institution to girls. He also moved boys out of dormitories and into cottages with married couples, establishing a model of family-teacher living. Hupp also oversaw the building of the Father Flanagan High School, an alternative school for youths.
“He was a real pioneer of child care. Everything we do today is built on the basis of his achievement,” said his successor, the Rev. Val Peter.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
