Settimio De Rubeis

Settimio "Tim" De Rubeis, 82, of Westfield, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, from respiratory failure due to leukemia, surrounded by the love of his devoted family. Known affectionately as "Timmio" by those closest to him, Settimio lived a life defined by faith, humility, and an unwavering devotion to his family and God.
Born on January 26, 1943, in Tottea, Italy, Settimio was the beloved son of a humble, hardworking family whose values he carried with him throughout his life. As a young man, he immigrated to the United States and settled in New Jersey, determined to build a good life in his new homeland. With quiet perseverance, he learned English and became the first in his family to graduate from high school in 1963-an accomplishment that filled him and his parents with immense pride.
Shortly after, Settimio married the love of his life, Angela, with whom he shared a blessed marriage of many decades. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and honest work. He was a devoted father to Joseph De Rubeis and Teresa De Rubeis Schaefer, who were the light of his life. His family remembers him as a man of gentle spirit and endless kindness-a husband and father who gave all of himself without hesitation, and whose quiet strength was a constant source of comfort to those around him.
For nearly 40 years, Settimio was a proud small business owner in Westfield, running his family enterprise with integrity and care. Later, he joined his brother-in-law's chemical distribution company, where he thrived in sales for another 23 years. He took great pride in his work, not for material success, but because it allowed him to provide faithfully for his loved ones and help those in need. Among his many achievements, one of his proudest moments was the day he became a citizen of the United States-a milestone that symbolized his gratitude for the opportunities and freedoms afforded to him in his adopted country.
Those who knew Settimio will forever remember him for his kind heart and unshakable faith. He never raised his voice, never spoke ill of others, and never sought recognition for the countless good deeds he quietly performed. He was the sort of man who brought warmth into every room with a simple smile, always striving to walk in God's light. His devotion to Jesus Christ guided every step of his life.
In his final years, Settimio remained a faithful parishioner of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Westfield, where he served humbly as an usher. Even as age and illness challenged him, he continued to care deeply for his family, ensuring that all-especially those with health needs-were cared for before himself.
Settimio is survived by his beloved wife, Angela De Rubeis; his children, Joseph De Rubeis and Teresa De Rubeis Schaefer; and his sisters, Connie DiGiorgio, Lucia Giuliani, and Cecelia Masci, his half-sister Rosemary Murtagh, and three grandchildren whom he loved immensely. His memory will live on in their hearts and in all who were blessed to know him.
A viewing will be held at Dooley's Colonial Home, 556 Westfield Avenue, Westfield, NJ, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 315 1st Street, Westfield, with interment following at Fairview Cemetery, 1100 E. Broad Street, Westfield.
Rest now, Settimio, for you have been freed from the chains of suffering, and you are now in Heaven with Our Holy Father, who we know has taken you into His loving arms. Heaven has gained a new Angel, and though you shall be missed greatly by so many here on Earth, we are comforted in our sorrow by knowing that you will be waiting for us when we reach our timely ends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Settimio's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org