Elliot Rubinstein

Dr. Elliot Rubinstein, 84, of Ithaca, New York, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Born on May 27, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of Rhea and Sam Rubinstein. Elliot pursued his education with distinction, earning a bachelor's degree from Bethany College in West Virginia, a Master of Science from St. John’s University in New York, and a Doctor of Medicine from the Chicago Medical School. He completed a year of pediatric training at King’s County Hospital from 1969 to 1970.

In February 1970, he married P.A. Roark in Syosset, New York. That same year, he joined the United States Air Force and served during the Vietnam War. In 1971, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his work alongside Vietnamese doctors to establish a well-baby clinic and for other meritorious medical service.

Following his military service, Elliot trained at Buffalo Children’s Hospital and at Buffalo General Hospital before moving to Ithaca in 1976. There, he founded Asthma and Allergy Associates, establishing a respected private practice in allergy and immunology medicine that he later expanded to serve communities in Cortland, Elmira, Vestal, and Fayetteville.

Beyond his professional achievements, Elliot was deeply involved in the Ithaca community. He served twice as co-president of Temple Beth-El of Ithaca, once with P.A. Rubinstein and once with Melanie Kalman, and was an active member of its board of directors.

Elliot’s greatest pleasures in life were travelling, golf, excellent wine, cigars, and above all else his family. He was a role model and mentor to not only his family, but to his friends and community and his lasting impact will be felt through the generations he touched. Elliot will also be remembered for his generosity, his extensive philanthropy and his willingness to engage in lively arguments, hearty laughter and wise words.

Elliot is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years P.A. Rubinstein; sister Anita Lipman, brother Bernard Rubinstein; children Sarah and Mark (Meghan); grandchildren Jonathan, Matthew, Ella, Patrick, and Micah; great-grandson Elliot; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. Elliot is predeceased by his brother-in-law Rob Roark and sister-in-law Karen Rubinstein.

Throughout his life, Elliot lived in Brooklyn; Chicago; Travis Air Force Base in California; Buffalo; and ultimately in Ithaca, which was home.

The community is invited to Elliot's funeral which will be on Wednesday, December 3rd at 10:00am in the Temple Beth-El sanctuary, followed by a burial at approximately 11:30am at Lakeview Cemetery in Ithaca. After the burial, Elliot's family will begin sitting shiva at their home at 1 Cayuga Hills Rd. in Ithaca. Further shiva details will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Elliot’s honor to Temple Beth-El.