RUBENSTEIN, Ralph Sidney, 83, of North Andover, MA, and formerly of North Reading, MA, passed away peacefully December 31st at High Point House Hospice in Haverhill, MA from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. Ralph was a native of Philadelphia, the son of Louis and Hattie (Maslovich) Rubenstein. He graduated from Temple University and the Naval Postgraduate School. He served as a Naval Supply Corps Officer for 24 years, advancing to the rank of Captain. He served on the USS Noxubee, the USS Little Rock, and the USS Oriskany, and was the Commanding Officer at DCASR, Chicago. After retirement from the Navy, Ralph was a financial planner for USPA & IRA. He was active in volunteer and social activities in North Reading and beyond. Ralph was well known for his sense of humor, generosity, and great enjoyment of travel and sharing meals of every kind of ethnic food with his family and many friends.
He is predeceased by his wife of 51 years Mary C. (Reed) Rubenstein,for whom he was a dedicated caregiver, his brothers-in-law John Suter and Donald Reed, and his sister-in-law Anne Suter. He is survived by daughters Deborah Rubenstein (Stuart Speaker) and Suzanne (Jim) Austin, son Michael Rubenstein, grandchildren Emily Cirrone, Benjamin Cirrone (their father Jim Cirrone) and Henry Speaker, his devoted companion Zena Rosenberg, brother Donald Rubenstein and sister-in-law Nadine Rubenstein, sister Barbara Rubenstein, and seven nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading, 239 Woburn St, Reading, MA on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation (http://www.alzinfo.org/) or the North Reading Veterans Gift Account (North Reading Veterans Department, 235 North Street, North Reading, MA 01864). WWW.CroswellFuneralHome.com
Dear Debbie,Susie and Michael; I was very sorry to hear about Uncle Ralph.
My prayers are with you as you remember your Dad. The world keeps getting smaller.
Love, David Reed
Dear Debbie, Susie and Michael, Nancy and I extend our very sincere condolences to you. Your Dad was our very special friend for so many years. He was one of a kind and we loved him dearly. Stan and Nancy Van Horn
Dear Debbie, Susan and Michael. Carol and I send our deepest condolences. Ralph was a great guy to work with. He kept the office in Concord on an even keel for many years. His infectious laugh was something to count on. He will be missed. Moose and Carol Marcinkowski
Dear Debbie, Susan and Michael. Sandy and I offer you our deepest sympathy in the loss of your father. He was a great friend and a wonderful neighbor. Our prayers are with you and yours during this difficult time. Russ and Sandy Carriker
Dear Debbie, Susan and Michael, Randy and I were so sorry to hear about your dad. Our daughter Staci wanted Ralph to be at her ceremony in SC when she became Chief Petty Officer a few years ago. Ralph flew down with Randy and they had a wonderful time. Randy’s mom, Renee , loved being with Ralph and Don, her favorite cousins! He was a special man and always made us smile. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Ralph will be dearly missed. Cheryl and Randy White
Ralph the most wonderful humanist one can remember. His humor and intellect were unsurpassed. I had the privileged of working for him on the USS Oriskany as his Assistant Supply Officer. So many memories we used to share at long lunches whenever I would visit Boston. The humor is unforgettable. I could perform a stand up comic show relating Ralph stories. His allegiance to his superiors and subordinates will always be remembered. A great boss, a great friend and a credit to the world which has so many issues. Will see you later Ralph