Laurence P. Rubinow

Laurence Peter Rubinow of Vero Beach, FL and Fishers Island, NY died peacefully Jan. 17. He was 79. Known as Laurie, Mr. Rubinow practiced law for over 50 years, served as chairman of the board of both private and public corporations, and was actively involved in community and charitable organizations throughout his career. He was particularly proud of 20 years as Chairman of the Board of the SBM Charitable Foundation, a private foundation that focuses primarily on the needs of children in the areas of health, human services, education, housing and the arts. In 2022, Mr. Rubinow's alma mater, Case Western Reserve University's (CWRU) College of Arts & Sciences awarded him the Distinguished Service Alumnus Award that recognizes outstanding alumni for their contributions both professionally and to the lives of others. Hearing of Mr. Rubinow's passing, a longtime friend captured his essence, saying, "Laurie was an icon of friendship, integrity, humor and intelligence. His thoughtfulness and wise council were always cherished." Another friend, from a younger generation, said, "He was one of very few older men I ever looked to and thought, that's how I want to be when I'm retired…endlessly curious and fascinated by the world." Professionally, Mr. Rubinow's reputation among lawyers and judges in Connecticut was "stellar." A colleague said, "Laurie was universally thought of as a wonderful lawyer and a wonderful man." His love of competitive sailboat racing led him, in 1988, to create a syndicate to purchase and race an International One Design (IOD) sailboat, launching an era of world class sailboat racing at the Fishers Island Yacht Club, where he served as Commodore. "Norwegian Wood" became a competitive force on the IOD World Championships circuit, where the team won three World Championships and garnered multiple podium finishes. Mr. Rubinow's myriad passions, including competitive sailing and an encyclopedic knowledge of jazz, were topped only by devotion to his family. Love of food was jokingly thought of as a close second. He planned two round-the-world trips carefully including dinners at many of the finest restaurants in the world. Mr. Rubinow was Chairman of the Board of the Savings Bank of Manchester (SBM) and its parent, Connecticut Bancshares, Inc. He also served on the boards of Manchester Memorial Hospital, Eastern Connecticut Health Network, the Connecticut Hospital Association, and Visiting Nurse and Health Services of Connecticut. For many years, he was a Trustee and Financial Secretary of the William and Mary Rubinow Scholarship Fund established by his grandparents in 1954. Mr. Rubinow graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon, earned a BA in English from CWRU and a law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law, where he was a member of the Board of Editors of the Law Review. Mr. Rubinow is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Ann Rubinow. He is also survived by his children, Sara Rubinow of Irvington, NY; William Rubinow and his wife Nicole, of Farmington, CT; his brother, Dr. David Rubinow and his wife Carly, of Chapel Hill, NC, and his two beloved grandchildren, Brynn Alexandra Rubinow and Camden Laurence Rubinow. Mr. Rubinow was predeceased by his sister, Judith Gartner. There will be a gathering of friends and family in Farmington, CT in the spring at a time to be announced. Contributions in Mr. Rubinow's memory may be sent to the SBM Charitable Foundation, 935 Main St, Level C, Ste B101, Manchester, CT 06040.