Donald Arthur Rubiolo

It was with great sadness that Donald (Don) Arthur Rubiolo – beloved husband, son, brother, uncle and friend – passed away on June 4, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born on August 8, 1937, in Oakland, California, Don grew up in the tight-knit community of Cherryland in Hayward. As a young teenager, his mechanical skills were already apparent as he landed his first job repairing bicycles as a downtown bike shop. His path as a hard-working teen continued when he began working at a local grocery story. Always wise with his money, Don used the money from these early jobs to invest in one of his life-long passions – fast cars. He graduated from Hayward High School in 1955.
Don met the love of his life, Georgia Smith at the time, in Hayward and they got married on September 12, 1964. They happily celebrated their 60th anniversary last September. Following a few years in Hayward, the young couple moved to Castro Valley, where they established deep roots in the community with close neighbors and countless friends. Later in life, they relished spending time together in the mountain town of Arnold, biking, hiking and enjoying a relaxed life surrounded by friends, redwoods and mountain peaks.
Whether at home or at work, Don's work ethic would humble most men. He worked as a Teamster for years, and even designed a clever pulley system, called the Donny Cable, that aligned train cars to warehouse doors. He finished his career in construction using his finely honed mechanical skills as a Millwright union member.
More than anything, Don enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and never shied away from hard work as he meticulously maintained his properties, vehicles and countless projects. Don and Georgia traveled the world, including big trips to China, Australia, New Zealand, and a few stops in Italy where Don visited relatives.
Family and friends will miss his generous and loving approach to life. Don always had a warm greeting for everyone, a huge smile, a firm handshake, and his love of laughter nearly always meant a hilarious joke or two would be shared. To all who knew Don, he leaves a legacy of kindness, happiness and joy. He was the sort of relative and friend that everyone wishes to have in their lives. He was always willing to roll up his sleeves to help others, he was generous with his time and attention, he appreciated and praised those around him, and he was deeply grateful for his life's many blessings.
Earlier in life, Don lost his parents, Steven and Daisy Rubiolo, his brother, Steve Rubiolo, and his nephew, Steven Rubiolo. Don was a loving and devoted family man, and is survived by his wife, Georgia, his younger brother, Richard Rubiolo, his nieces Susan Bolger and Dawn Dreyling, his nephews Frank Smith, Timothy Smith and Kurt Glazier, and many other extended family members.
Friends and family will gather on June 18, 2025, to celebrate Don's life at Sorensen Chapel, 1140 B Street, Hayward. Visitation will open at 10:00 am, followed by a service at 11:00 am. Don will be laid to rest at Lone Tree Cemetery in Hayward, immediately after.