Irvin Rubnitz

Irvin Sonny Rubnitz - SAVANNAH - Irvin Sonny Rubnitz, 83, of Savannah, Georgia and husband of Frances Jean Mincey Rubnitz, died Saturday evening, May 17, 2014, at Buckingham South and under the care of Hospice Savannah. Born in Savannah, Georgia, he was the 6th and youngest child and the only son of the late Reuben Rubnitz and the late Rebecca Shapiro Rubnitz. Sonny, as he was known to everyone was an active father and a grandfather to his children and grandchildren and a loving husband to his wife of almost 60 years, Jean Mincey Rubnitz. He was an avid golfer well into his 70's, the times he spent at the Sheraton and later the Wilmington Island Club was something he really enjoyed. He loved to play pool and was an excellent dancer. He and Jean were always the first on the dance floor and gave lessons when they were younger. Sonny never met a stranger and was always the first person to greet you. At Buckingham South, where he lived since 2008, you could plan on him being on the front porch greeting everyone as they came in. Sonny was the first Ordinary Life insurance agent for Metropolitan Life in the area and was a top salesman. He later became the district manager for Metlife for many years running two offices with over 30 agents. When he retired he opened Senior Citizens Claims and Services to continue working with clients until he was in his 70's. During his time in the Insurance business he was active in the Savannah chapter of the Association of Life Underwriters, serving as the President. Sonny was also active in community service. Having a sister with special needs, he became active with The March of Dimes and started the Walk-A-Thon. He chaired and organized the original Walk-A-Thon back when it was 20 miles long. Years later he became involved again and chaired the new Walk America team walk, which got business's to sponsor teams. Sonny was also active in Savannah Jaycees serving as President for that organization as well. He also enjoyed the Savannah Harmony Club. In his youth, Sonny played the drums in local jazz bands and had the pleasure of playing with Ben Tucker a few times. Sonny served in the Navy during the Korean War on a minesweeper. He will be missed. He is survived by his wife Jean Mincey Rubnitz; a daughter Debbie Cohen and her daughters, Rachael and Hannah; a son, David Rubnitz, his wife Rene' and his children Heather and Tim Rubnitz. He is also survived by numerous nephews and their children. The funeral service was held at Sunday afternoon at the graveside, Bonaventure Cemetery, conducted by Rabbi Avigdor Slatus. The family will sit shiva at the family home at 509 Mclaws Street Savannah Georgia 31405. Please share your thoughts about Mr. Rubnitz and his life at www.gamblefuneralservice.com. Savannah Morning News May 19, 2014 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries.