Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Rubin Saposnik Obituary
SAPOSNIK, Rubin
Rubin Saposnik passed away on October 5, 2020 in Westchester County, NY at the age of 91. Rubin was born July 11, 1929 in Chicago, IL to Abraham Chaim Saposnik and Sarah Tenner Saposnik. He married Marlene Taber of Lafayette, IN in 1960. Rubin earned two bachelor's and a master's degree in mathematics and economics from The University of Chicago. He then began his professional career with the U.S. Department of the Navy in Washington, D.C. He subsequently matriculated at the University of Minnesota where he completed a Ph.D. in economics under the supervision of future Nobel Laureate Leonid Hurwicz. Spanning more than four decades, his faculty appointments included Purdue University, State University of New York at Buffalo, University of Kansas, University of Kentucky, and Georgia State University. Upon his retirement from Georgia State, he and Marlene traveled to the Czech Republic where he taught economics at Charles University in Prague. His theoretical research on individual and collective choice was widely-cited in the profession. With his long-time colleague, the late James Quirk, he co-authored a text of general equilibrium and welfare economics that was translated into three languages and was a cornerstone for graduate student education for over two decades.
Rubin is survived by Marlene Taber Saposnik, his wife of 60 years, formerly of Decatur now of Briarcliff Manor, NY; daughters Andrea Saposnik (James Cowdery) of Briarcliff Manor, NY and Alicia Saposnik of Tucson, AZ; grandsons Kai Morfin and Sean Morfin of Tucson, AZ; and his sister, Carol Lobron of Cambridge, MA and her family.
Rubin was an avid runner and a fervent believer in the value of education. We will remember him for his generosity, his quick wit, his love of music, and his encyclopedic knowledge, and so much more that we cannot fit in these pages. A celebration of Rubin's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors Without Borders.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rubin Saposnik
Saloua Sehili
June 20, 2022
Rubin was my professor at GSU. He was also my colleague when we both worked at Charles University in the Czech Republic. He was a fantastic educator, though very humble and kind. I appreciated his simplicity and his candor. He and his wife, a very beautiful woman, invited me and my husband for dinner as we just got married. My deepest condolences and sympathy to his wife and all those who loved him.
Kenneth Shiver
November 17, 2020
Rubin was one of my toughest professors in Grad School and the one that my memory goes back to as I encounter topics that touch the information that he taught. A brilliant man. His challenges in the classroom helped me focus on my objectives and goals and pushed me to the career path that I follow today.
Bruce Seaman
October 18, 2020
Rubin was an outstanding intellect, a genuinely supportive colleague, an irreverent and witty observer of human foibles, and a real mensch. It was an honor to have known him.
Trish Waters
October 17, 2020
Our heartfelt condolences to Marlene, Andrea and Jim, Alicia, and Rubin’s grandchildren on Rubin’s passing. We are grateful we got to meet Rubin and share some fun times together. He clearly loved his family very much. Trish & Brian
Nikki & Dawn
October 8, 2020
We were Rubin and Marlene’s neighbor for several years. We treasure our memories of him and fondly recall how sweet he was to our dog Sophie, who enjoyed being in Rubin’s presence. May God rest his soul and give his family a sense of Peace.
John Kramer
October 7, 2020
I have known Rubin for over 40 years. We have had many spirited discussions about every subject and I typically deferred to him because he was usually right. We had a love of music in common. He had a soft spot in his heart for my daughter since she was a toddler and that endeared him to me even more. Alav ha-Shalom,
James Murphy
October 7, 2020
A kind soul and a great intellect.
Richard Hawkins
October 7, 2020
Rubin never demanded great economics from me, but he was always there when I wanted to try.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Rubin Saposnik's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Rubin Saposnik
How to support Rubin's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Rubin Saposnik's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
