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Dr. Jon Paul Rubach

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Siena College

Jon Rubach Obituary

Rubach MD, Jon Paul
Dr. Jon Paul Rubach, 70, passed away in his home September 7, 2014. He was was born June 5, 1944 in Buffalo, New York to Martha and John Rubach. Jon was a graduate of Bishop Timon High School, Siena College, University of Notre Dame Law School, and the SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine. In 1976 he moved to Mesa, Arizona where he established his practice, Desert Oncology, specializing in Oncology and Hematology. He served as Chief of Staff at Desert Samaritan and also as Desert Samaritan's representative to the American Medical Association. Throughout his adult life, Jon loved his weekly golf outings with close friends. He was an avid supporter and assistant coach for his children's sports teams (soccer and baseball). Jon enjoyed family vacations to San Diego, California as often as possible. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, his children, Kristin (Robert), Jon (Sarah), and Matthew (Jessica), stepsons, Andrew (Iris), Brian (Jennifer), and Patrick (Jessica), ex wife Margaret, 14 grandchildren, sister Susan (Martial), and brother Michael (Patricia). Per Jon's wishes, private services are planned. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org), or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (https://www.michaeljfox.org/

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Sep. 14 to Sep. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Jon Rubach

Sponsored by Susan and Lisa Turner as gift to family.

26 Entries

Rose Connolly

April 27, 2020

Dr. Rubach was my oncologist in 2007 when I just moved to AZ..I was alone and scared and
he took me even though I was a walk in at the last minute. I had to get a biopsy and he got me
in ..in a week. he treated me for a blood cancer and I am still here today. he was a wonderful person
and so thankful he was my doctor at this very difficult time in my life. I am so grateful..I miss
him very much and I know he is in God's safe hands. God Bless the family, Rose and pets

Pam Newman

July 15, 2019

Dr Rubach was my oncologist 31 years ago. He was a fantastic doctor with a great bedside manner. He spent lots of time with me, answered all my questions and gave me hugs. There are not doctors like this anymore. After 30 years, I got cancer again, now stage IV.

December 1, 2018

My time knowing "Paul J." goes back to our days at Bishop Timon High School. He was a great classmate, and I enjoyed his wry sense of humor. We lost touch after high school; I was drafted into the military. I did reconnect briefly with him through the internet several years ago. Although I can't remember the specific date, it must have been just before his passing. We shared some memories via telephone. I recently perused a list of Bishop Timon Alumni and noted his passing. I'm sad to know hat, but confident that Paul accomplished wonderful things in his lifetime.

May 28, 2015

I am forever in dept to Dr. Rubach. He helped me to survive Cancer TWICE. He always listened to every thing I thought was important and had a wonderful bed side humor to make me laugh when I felt the pressure. He made himself available anytime I needed him. I will praise him till my passing. Thank you Dr. Rubach.

April 9, 2015

So sorry to hear about Dr. Rubach passing away. I just found out and am heartbroken. He touched so many lives. I have great memories of him. He was a very kind, generous and caring man. He will be missed.

February 10, 2015

I was shocked to learn of Paul's passing in the Siena news. Paul and I were roomates at Siena for two years. He was a super person and I feel a real loss even though we have not been together for a long time, I think about him often. My family still remembers him talking about putting ketchup in his belly button so he can dip his french fries. I will miss him. Gene Burbige

February 5, 2015

My condolences to Jon Rubach's family. He was my law school classmate and a real gentleman.

James Starshak

February 4, 2015

I recently learned Jon Paul's passing. His fellow classmates at the Notre Dame Law School wish to express our condolences. The comment I receive from our classmates is that we wish would could have been together one more time.

Kay Scala

October 12, 2014

It has been a while since you left us but I am still so sad. I had the honor to work with you as an oncology RN and later as a NP. Your sense of humor, caring and compassion for your patients and their families was second to none. You were my mentor and friend. I will always remember your infectious laughter and how you loved your sweets! You touched so many lives and will live on in our hearts.

My deepest condolences to your family and prayers in their time of mourning.

Don & Eden Thompson

September 30, 2014

We join Jon's family and many friends in expressing the deep loss we feel with his passing. Our family is grateful that we had him as our oncologist for our daughter, the youngest patient he ever had, and who is now a veterinarian because of his marvelous care in dealing with her disease. Later, his skills cured Eden of her cancer too. He will be missed greatly. His family can be so proud of him because so many of us owe our lives to him.

Spike and Linda Mulson

September 29, 2014

Dear Kathy and Family,
We only knew Doc for a short time but it was easy to see why he was so loved by so many. We really enjoyed sharing the wedding weekend with both of you. It was wonderful that Doc was able to visit Siena with his grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Spike and Linda

American Cancer Fund

September 22, 2014

The staff of the American Cancer Fund® at www.AmericanCancerFund.org is sorry to hear of Dr. Rubach's passing. We have just received a memorial donation in his name and our sincere condolences go out to his family.

Ron and Judy Gatrel

September 18, 2014

Dr. Rubach will always hold a special place in our hearts as he was Ron's Oncologist when he was diagnosed with Leukemia in 1982. His warm, caring and gentle manner carried us through a very difficult time. We will always feel his guidance and direction is one reason Ron is still alive today. Rest in Peace, Dr. Rubach.

Susan Shumway

September 17, 2014

I remember Dr Rubach with fond memories when we worked on Senator Johm McCain's campaign for congress in 1982. His children and whole family took part and he had such an uplifting way about him. He helped so many many people deal with cancer over the years. I am so sad to hear that he is gone from his family and grandchildren. I send my blessings to Kathy and his children and to Peggy.
The community lost a great supporter....May God watch over you in heaven now Jon.

Sharon & Paul Kuritzky

September 17, 2014

We remember med school with Jon, OB-Gyn rotation the worst ever! Jon had all our respect when he decided to go into practice of medicine instead of using his law degree to do medical-legal. We still have the personal attorney he found for us over 40 years ago.

Russ and Kaye Temple

September 16, 2014

My you rest in piece Jon Paul, you were one of the great Americans and wonderful people that graced this world. It was one of our blessings to have known you.

Mary Melcher

September 16, 2014

Jon-I know of many kindnesses you did(very quietly) as a physician for those in need and without insurance, and I will never forget the care you gave my parents and my husband in their last years. It meant everything to them and to me. Also recall a tipsy sailboat one afternoon off Dana Point-a close escape, a fond memory! Rest in Peace Jon.

Susan Turner

September 16, 2014

I was an ovarian cancer patient of Dr. Rubachs from 1978 - 1980. My mother and I met him following my surgery and diagnosis at age 30 in Desert Samaritan Hospital. We were touched by his genuine warmth and caring spirit. Knowing the timing with my divorce that week and about my 2 yr old daughter, Lisa, he turned on his wit and charm, describing the chemo Alkeran as sounding like something from outer space. He kindly downplayed drama of cancer, relegating it to mundane status by comparing starting chemo to "arranging socks in a drawer" His knowledge and accuracy were key toward healing....one example being his expertise in selecting chemo type and strength. He was ahead of his time in his mind/body approach and since he was a positive thinker he primarily focused on health, not disease at each visit.

Initial surgery had revealed how the malignancy metastasized into pelvis but we never discussed statistics. After 13 months of chemo and then exploratory surgery I was done with ovarian cancer (I recently researched my type/stage and current 5 year survival rate is 20%. ) I remember how my GYN admired Dr Rubach and shared that the doctors at Desert Samaritan had voted him chief of staff that year, while in his mid thirties. I am grateful that I reached out and wrote Dr. Rubach after retiring from teaching to thank him again.

I wish to express condolences to you as family and genuine appreciation for your generosity of spirit in sharing your loved husband, father and grandfather with the community.

Vicki Haberling Kieran

September 15, 2014

Jon Paul was a fabulous man, brother-n-law to me and uncle to my boys. For his patients with his patience, he tried so hard to make sure they had the best treatment possible. When we went to him, knowing that other doctors were out of ideas to help, he came up with one more thing to try. It worked & has for the last 8 yrs. We will miss his humor and his knowledge. My thoughts and prayers to the rest of his family.

Pamela Hart

September 15, 2014

Dr. Rubach is leaving a legacy of bringing together some of the finest people I have been privileged to know, with the common goal of compassionately caring for people with cancer. I mourn his death and offer my sympathy and prayers to his family and friends. Thanks for all the kindness and friendship. You are one of a kind and I will miss having you among us. God Bless you Dr. Rubach.

Frank Bennett

September 15, 2014

We met Jon when he first moved to Mesa. He was bright and witty and compassionate and wise. He was a great friend and we will miss him.

Clara Engel

September 15, 2014

In 2007 I was diagnosed with Stage III cancer. I was fortunate to be referred to Dr. Rubach as one of the best oncologists.
His compassionate and caring manner instilled a sense of trust that I would pull through this life crisis. He spent time with me and asked me questions on how I was doing emotionally. His hugs made me feel that he cared. He made me laugh. Although he retired officially, he never really retired in his life's mission. We thank you God for the gift of his presence. He was one of the best of men.

Darlene Bargman

September 14, 2014

In 1989 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although it was quite a shock, and I seemed to go on autopilot as far as treatments went, Dr. Rubach was always encouraging and helped me manage my treatments as well as my reluctance to follow through. We would talk about just about anything, and when I told him that my husband wanted a divorce, we cried together. What a wonderful person. I couldn't have found a more conscious and caring doctor. I was truly sorry to hear of his passing. His friendship and care meant the world to me.

LeeAnn Moore

September 14, 2014

Dr. Rubach was the best Dr in the world. I had stage 3 cancer in 2001 and he helped me fight the fight. I loved his hugs and his belief in quality over quantity. He saved my life and my mom's life (she was also a patient) i am truly saddened by this but know that he also fought the fight. God bless you Rubach! ? I will never forget you and will always cherish the second chance you gave me.

Diane Dustman

September 14, 2014

Dr. Rubach treated me briefly in 2002 while my primary doctor, Dr. Cavalcant was away. He was very kind and had a nice sense of humor. I was truly saddened today to read of his passing. The world has lost another great human being and doctor.

Polly Turner MD

September 14, 2014

I referred my cancer patients to Jon because I knew he would treat with with the best care possible, would take time to listen, and to care for the whole family. Even in the Doctor's Dining Room his comments were always gentle towards his patients. He stayed positive when others were grumbling, and sought new solutions for medical staff issues. A life well lived.

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