We are sad to announce that Sumner Wallace (Wally) Rubin, passed away peacefully at Carlisle House in Framingham, MA, on April 19, 2023. He was just days away from celebrating his 99th Birthday.
Wally was born in Chelsea, MA, on May 2, 1924, to parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Rubin. During the Great Depression, the family moved to West Bridgewater, MA to live on his grandfather Harris Rubin’s chicken farm. (It was much later in life that Wally was able to enjoy eating chicken again.) Following the Depression, the Rubins moved to Miami Beach where Wally graduated from Miami Beach High School in 1940. He was enlisted in 1941 to serve overseas as a radio operator for the 501st Air 5V Group during WWII. A decorated veteran of the AAF, Wally was honorably discharged on April 1, 1946. He went on to study both Music and Finance at Columbia University, and The University of Miami, graduating in 1949.
Wally eventually found himself back in the Northeast where he met the love of his life, Joan Eisen. They were married on April 15, 1956, in Boston, MA, and went on to have two children, James Harris Rubin, (Jamie), and Deborah Jane Rubin. Wally started working for Shearson as a stockbroker. He was also an accomplished pianist and had a great eye for photography. Wally went everywhere with a big clunky camera draped across his shoulder. He and Joan filled their home with love, music, and art. An avid Red Sox fan, Wally didn’t miss a game, even within the last few days of his life.
Wally was predeceased by his younger sister Ellie Smith and spouse Jimmy, niece Susan Smith and nephew Michael Smith. He is survived by his wife, Joan Eisen Rubin, son Jamie Rubin and spouse Michele, daughter Deborah Jones and spouse Kevin, and two grandsons, Dylan and Julian Rubin.
Wally touched everyone he met with his warmth and kindness, and through a calm and gentle demeanor revealed a wonderful humor and quick wit. His family and countless friends will greatly miss him.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the ACLU, an organization Wally felt strongly about.