John Swain Rhubart IV, born Oct. 22, 1950, is survived by daughter, Laurie Hitchner and husband, Vince; and four grandchildren, Kelsie, Madison, Vincent, Jr., Gracelyn; and by son, John S. Rhubart V of Florida. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers, Gladis McGraw, Jerry Rhubart, James "Jim" Rhubart, Dawn Watkins, Joyce Rhubart, Kenneth Stotler, Gayle Nann and spouses; stepfather, James Stotler; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John S. Rhubart III and Mary C. Stotler.
John was born in Millville, and graduated from MSHS in 1969. He was active in the Millville YMCA and was on the football and wrestling teams at the high school. He was a graduate of Widener University and was captain of the football team. He also held a master's degree from Trenton State College. John was a Vietnam era veteran serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and was later a sergeant in the Army National Guard. John was a retired probation officer for Cumberland County where he worked at the Bridgeton Courthouse. His area of expertise was family court, where he touched many lives throughout his career.
John loved music, played the guitar and, in his early teen years, started a popular Millville band, The "HO-DADS," that played the southern New Jersey area. He loved all sports and was a true Eagles and Phillies fan; his big love was opening day. John coached Little League baseball and Millville Midget League football. He was a voracious reader and writer, affectionately known as the "walking encyclopedia." John's greatest love was for his family. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, playing the guitar and singing "Puff the Magic Dragon" to his granddaughters, Kelsie and Madison, and teaching grandson Vincent to throw a baseball and football. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 11 a.m. until noon on Friday at the Thunderbolt Club, Millville Sports Hall of Fame. Burial will be private.
Written condolences can be sent to: [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Darryl Buch
January 17, 2012
So sorry for your loss. John was a good friend to me for a few years, he helped me tremendously.
Cheryl Rhubart-Kuechler
January 16, 2012
Laurie, I think I only met you once or twice long ago. I loved your Dad. He was my oldest cousin and I was so proud to be his kin. I am going through photos and hope to send an album your way soon. Will send it to Grammy so she can deliver it to you. My love and prayers to your family. He was quite a man and the first in our family to graduate from college! Love to you all.
January 15, 2012
To the Rhubart family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Chris and Donna Lee, Millville
Amanda Norcross
January 13, 2012
Sending love and prayers to lauire and her entire family... I'm very sorry for your loss.. keeping you all in our thoughts a prayers...
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January 13, 2012
To all of you, I want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you. It has been one heck of a few months for you all. I have experienced this and know what you all are going through. I will keep you all in my heart.
All our love. Jeff and Barb Kempa
danielle malpica
January 13, 2012
laurie and family and i am deppely sorry for your loss..laurie i only met your dad a few times..but he was a sweet caring man..i know you will miss him..i wish i could be there for you..im sending you and your family many prayers and warm thoughts to help you through this..i love you laurie..and again my deepest sympathies to you and your family..oxox <3
tracee earnest
January 13, 2012
Laurie, I never knew your father but he had to have been an incredible man to have such an amazing daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Laudia and Charlie Lloyd
January 13, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Laurie and family.. I know how much you loved and admired your dad.. If you need anything don't hesitate..
Ed Dondero
January 13, 2012
To the entire family of John Rhubart, my deepest sympathies upon his passing. I worked with John at the Probation Dept. for many years and, although I lost contact with him after I left, I still have many good (and some very humorous) memories of John, which is undoubtedly the way that he would have wanted it. Rest in peace, Big Guy. You are missed by many.
Gary Davis
January 12, 2012
Gladis, Jerry, Jimmy and the Entire Rhubart Family, my sincerest condolences on your loss. John was a friend of my sisters and mine since gymnastics as little kids. I talked to him at our 40th reunion and we had quite a few laughs. Holly, Val and I send you our thoughts and prayers.
Brandy Bateman-Dotson
January 12, 2012
Thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. Your dad was an awesome man. Many fond memories of hanging out at his house when we were kids :-)
Laurie Hitchner
January 12, 2012
What can I say to all these well wishes. We are truly blessed to have been apart of so many of your lives as a family. Now a big piece of mine is gone. He was the smartest, strongest and most handsome man I had ever known.I didn't need google having a dad like mine. Cause he had all the answers to everything. He would pick a kid up off of the side of the road just to buy him lunch.(I was witness to this many times..Lol)He was every little girls dream dad. He always made sure my bedroom was fit for a princess. A canopy bed...a little table and chairs set...pretty little stuffed animals in every empty corner of my room. He was encouraging. Telling me I could be anything I wanted to be as long as I worked hard enough and believed in myself. i didn't have as much time as I would have liked to make him as proud as I would have wanted to, but I know his greatest pleasure was my children. He enjoyed every second he had with them. In 96 when Kelsie was born he told me that he finally felt complete in his life. He taught her as much as he could which is why I believe she is as academically smart as she is today. Then in 2000 when Madison came...he was all about the babying. Making sure she was loved and PopPops girl. When Vincemt was born in 2005 my father was diagnosed with Alzheimers. I believe Vincent was the reason he kept going. He needed to teach him football and he needed him to learn baseball. He even taught him to swim in a pool that came up to his knees. Lol. By the time Gracie came along my dad was pretty far gone. But everyday he would come down in the morning and see my holding her say what a beautiful baby she was. He requested to hold her many times.And when she started to crawl her PopPop was exactly where she wanted to be. You could see it in his eyes that he knew she came from him. My dad was my hero. And now he is gone. I don't know what to do now that my hero is gone. My whole daily routine has changed. Yesterday blends into today. My husband, mine and my children's lives will never be the same. My husband and kids and I have been Daddy for the last 6 years. And even though it was very hard at times...I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world. I love you Daddy and I hope you finally get the peace you were so longingly searching for.
Shycola Williams
January 12, 2012
Sending love and prayers to the entire family...Mr. John (Pop Pop) was a very special part of our family. I am honored to have known him and grown to love him. Even though we're all the way in Georgia, we're hugging you a little closer to our hearts through this.
Love,
Terrence & Shycola Williams and the Entire Georgia Family
Barbara Kubiski Kupp
January 12, 2012
Gladis, Greg and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about John. I remember him well with that infectious smile, a friend to all. You and your famlily are in my thoughts and prayers.
January 12, 2012
Dear Rhubart Family,
John was loved by the McDonoughs. The stories are always filled with laughter and love.Time has passed but the sweet memories remain. All of the Rhubarts have a special place in my heart. You are in my prayers.
With love, Soubi McDonough Sullivan
Bill & Jeannie Elbertson
January 12, 2012
Gladis, Jerry and Jimmy.We are so sorry about Johnny.May God be with all of you.
Stacy Lloyd
January 12, 2012
Thoughts and prayers are with you Laurie! Love Stacy
Julie & Michael Senisch
January 12, 2012
Laurie, Johnny and Family- Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. Michael & I are so truely sorry for your loss. ....But he will Always be remembered because he is in our hearts. Love you, Michael & Julie Senisch
sherrie bragg
January 12, 2012
Laurie, we are so sorry for your loss.you are in our thoughts and prayers.love Dale,Sherrie and Brittany
Debi Hollinger
January 12, 2012
John you gave me two beautiful children who are great adults. you are at peace now and with your mom & dad. Watch over our kids and grandkids . You fought a good fight against Alzheimers.
January 12, 2012
Dear Old Friends,
John was my wonderful boyhood, teenage and college friend. John's father was our baseball coach and I loved him and John's mother, Mary, also.
All you children, Gladis, Jerry, Jimmy, Dawn and Joyce are dear in my memory and I am sorry your talented and beloved brother is gone. Paul Riendeau & Joe Breig were part of our gang and I know they are hurting too, along with many others.
John will be remembered by me as he was in his prime I miss him and I will keep fresh my cherished memories of countless happy times with him.
With love,
Martin McDonough
Melissa Exten
January 12, 2012
<3
January 12, 2012
To the Rhubart family, You all especially John played important roles in our lives. We all have you in our thoughts and prayers our deepest sympathy to all of you,
McDonough kids
beverly walling
January 12, 2012
May u know he is an angel now watching over all of you my prayers are with you and your family.
Barry Hulitt
January 12, 2012
I send my deepest condolences to the McGraw, Rhubart, and the rest of the family in your time of loss. May God Be with you all and your pryers be heard.
Love,
Barry Hulitt
Patti Kears
January 12, 2012
Gladis, Jerry, Jimmy and family, Greg and I are so sorry to hear of John's passing. He and I worked together on many child suppport cases when he worked at Probation and I worked in child support at welfare. He had a big heart. May you take comfort in your memories. Patti and Greg Kears
Regina&Mark Veasey
January 12, 2012
Laurie, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.
Brandi Mendoza
January 12, 2012
Laurie,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May you find peace and comfort in the memories you have.
Vicki & Tito Candelas
January 12, 2012
Laurie,Tito and I are here if you need anything. I always thought of your dad as if he was my own. We love you Laur.
January 12, 2012
for laurie and her family
niki grant
January 12, 2012
george and i will be there for laurie!
Deana Towles
January 12, 2012
Laurie, so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I wish you peace & comfort in the memories honey. Much love,
Deana Towles
Karen McCafferty
January 12, 2012
My thoughts are with the entire Rhubart family at this time. God Bless you all. Love, The McCafferty Family
Melissa Exten
January 12, 2012
Laurie, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. much love Melissa Exten
Kevin Schwegel
January 12, 2012
Laurie and John my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need.
Sally Dickenson
January 12, 2012
Jim, Gladis and families,
So sorry to hear of the loss of Johnny. My thoughts and prayers are with you again. Love, Sally D. and family
Vanessa Charlton
January 12, 2012
Laurie, you have my deepest sympathies. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
Crystol Leys
January 12, 2012
Laurie,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of need. Love you!
april hyson-girsham
January 12, 2012
Laurie and family - I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Please let me know if I can be of any help! Love ya!
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