Gerald Seymour Rubin

PORTSMOUTH – Gerald "Jerry" Seymour Rubin, 82, of Portsmouth, RI, passed peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2015, at Forest Farm Nursing Home.
Gerald was born in Providence, RI on November 16, 1932 and was the son of Louis and Goldie Rubin.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 63 years, Hope G. (Botvin). In addition he leaves his children Cindy Kuhr and her husband Gerson of Lortin, Virginia, Gary and Brigid Rubin of Newport, Gayle Kaplan and her husband Ted of North Potomac, Maryland. He was a devoted, sports-loving Grampy attending as many baseball and hockey games as possible for his grandchildren Connor and Ryan Rubin, Kyla, Adam and Nathan Kaplan.
He was the brother of the late Leonard Rubin, Selma Walder and Rosalyn Joseph.
He is survived by a sister Sylvia Ziman of Providence. Gerald will be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Gerald was drafted into the Army after high school during the Korean Conflict. He served his country in Germany. Upon his return he was selected to attend the Providence Police Academy and spent several years in that capacity, especially enjoying his time as a motorcycle officer. He left the Providence Police Department to join his brother in the furniture business in Newport. The well-known Newport Furniture, home of the giant Captain's Chair, was his home for the next 35 years. He retired as President of Newport Furniture. In his retirement he worked at Sears Outlet in Fall River, part time, where he continued to enjoy meeting and helping people.
Gerald had been a very active member of his community over the years including being a past board member of Newport Hospital, past board member YMCA. He spent many years as a member of the Middletown School Committee and a term on Middletown Town Council. He was a proud member of Touro Synagogue for 50 years. Perhaps what Gerald loved the most was his many years as a member of the Newport Lions Club. He joined the Lions in 1960 and was a faithful member for over 50 years. He served as President of the Lions from 1973-1975 and was co-chair of the eye screening committee for about 15 years. He and Hope helped to screen hundreds and hundreds of children in schools through out Aquidneck Island.
There will be a graveside service at Beth Olam Cemetery on Wyatt Road in Middletown at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2015.
Shiva at the home of the Rubin Family, 77 Belmont Drive, Portsmouth immediately following the burial from 6-8 p.m. and also on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, from 2 to 4 and 6-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Touro Synagogue, 85 Touro Street, Newport, RI 028040, or Newport Lions Club, P.O. Box 695, Newport, RI 02840.
For more information or online condolence, please visit www.oneillhayes.com

This obituary was originally published in The Newport Daily News (Newport, RI).