SOL H. RUBEN

My Uncle Irv, Irwin Rabinowitz, z'l", and Sol were very close friends for many years in Pittsburgh. Irv passed away at age 96 on May 1, 2017 in Los Angeles, and shortly thereafter I looked up Sol online to see if he was still alive. I ended up speaking with his stepson, Mark Heller, z'l", who predeceased Sol by only two weeks, and who put me in touch with Sol, telling me that he was then an amazing 107 years of age.

When Sol picked up the phone, his voice sounded just as I remembered. Though hard of hearingm mentally he was still sharp as a tack. He was happy to hear from me, remembered me as Irv's nephew and remembered my mother, Ruthe, Irv's kid sister. He wanted to know about Uncle Irv's life in California and was sad but philosophical about his recent death.

I only learned of Sol's passing today, and was shocked to read of Mark's as well.

My very belated and sincere condolences to Clare and the rest of his family.

I first met Sol when my mother took me to his store, "American Discount Clothing, 5th Avenue opposite the Warner Theater" as the radio spots said, to buy me a suit for my Bar Mitzvah in 1961. By the time I was in college, I spent several summers and even more winter breaks working for Sol in the store. Sol was a very sweet man outside of the store, but once inside, he was all business -- very strict and formal. Because of his professional qualities, and incredible work ethic, I learned a lot: good customer service, how to fit men's suits, how to run the stock rooms, and how to work with the wonderful, salt-of-the-earth immigrants in the tailor shop downstairs, who made it possible for buyers to wait for the efficient alterations to their newly purchased suits.

I well remember Ethel, Mark, and Clare, all of whom worked in the store at one time or another during my time there.

Dear Cindy: I was very saddened to read of the passing of your uncle. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. - Jeff Pollock, Esq. (Sq. Hill)

The term "gentleman" describes Sol Ruben to a "T".... I have known Sol for 25 years through my involvement with ZOA and as a close friend of our family. He will be missed by the whole community. Jeff Pittler, Boca Raton, Florida

Uncle Sol, what can I say......he lived a life only folks can dream of. Not only was he a financial success, but he served as a Hillel to everyone he touched in his life, mine included. I have owned a coin shop downtown for 37 years located under his tiny office that was in the Standard Life Building at 4th and Smithfield. He was my teacher, not only professionally, but personally. He and I shared many conversations and views that run the gamit. Thinking of him always brings a smile to my face, and that will continue for the duration of my life. I had much love for Sol, but I will stand in line, for it is a long, long one. I hope and pray that he is now with Ethel and all the people that impacted his life. I pray that all his goodness and qualities carry on in each and every one of us in our daily lives going forward.