Walter Lee Rubel

1930 - 2021

August 20, 1930 - March 26, 2021
Perkasie - Walter Lee Rubel of Perkasie (Hilltown), Pennsylvania, at the age of 90, passed away quietly with family by his side on March 26, 2021. Walter was predeceased by his loving wife; Louise C. Justin Sabol Rubel MD, FACS and siblings; sister, Julie O'Brien and brother, Donald Rubel. He is survived by his son, Scott (Gina) Rubel of Doylestown, Pa., three daughters, Gretchen (Read Vanderbilt) Rubel of San Francisco, Dr. Jennifer (Brad Blumberg) Sabol of Voorhees, NJ, Dr. Carolyn (Scott) Repke of Paoli, Pa., and his former wife, Gayle Barnes Biggs of Huntsville, Ala. His grandchildren include Gianna and Ford Rubel, Cal and Ava Blumberg, and Rachel, Lauren, John and Matthew Repke.
The son of Donald C. and Julia Lee Rubel, Walter was born in Philadelphia, Pa. He graduated from Germantown Friends School in 1948 and went on to attend Brown University. He then graduated with a degree in philosophy and religion from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana in 1952. Walter joined the U.S. Army and served from 1953-1955 in the U.S. Medical Corps. He received a National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal before his honorable discharge in 1955. Walter was proud of his family's long history with the U.S. Military having been the fourth great-grandson of Commanding General Winfield Scott, also an 1852 U.S. presidential candidate.
Walter led a successful career as a distinguished investment advisor. He began his career at Parrish Securities in 1964. During his financial services career, he was involved in six mergers. Among other roles, he served as Vice President for Investments at Prudential-Bache, Prudential Securities, Wachovia Securities, and finally Wells Fargo from which he retired.
In 1980, an acquaintance unknowingly reintroduced Walter to a student he had met when his father was the President of Women's Medical College. On September 11, 1983, Walter and Dr. Louise C. Justin Sabol were married in Eagles Mere, Pa. Separated by careers in different cities, they settled on raising their combined family during weekends and holidays at their home on Eagles Mere Lake. Walter and Louise were active golfers, travelers and lovers of nature. Walter and Louise enjoyed many adventures from safaris in Africa, snorkeling on St. John, climbing glaciers in Alaska, birding in the jungles of Costa Rica and snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands. Many of their adventures revolved around their passion for golf. They played courses all over the world, including St. Andrew's in Scotland, and other golf courses in Portugal, Ireland and Pebble Beach. Walter also was an avid bird lover and longtime supporter of the National Audubon Society.
An active member of every community within which he lived and worked, Walter split his time in three Pennsylvania areas; Philadelphia, Bucks County and Eagles Mere.
In Philadelphia where he worked, Walter served as Philadelphia Committee of 70 Chairman, as a Division Committeeman, as Secretary of East Mount Airy Neighbors, and was a Life Member of The Union League of Philadelphia.
In Bucks County, where he resided from the 1960s, Walter served as Grand View Hospital's President of the Board for many years. He was also on the Board of Directors of the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Bucks and Pennridge School District, where he served as Board President. He served as Perkasie Rotary President, Pearl S. Buck Foundation Board President and Delaware Valley Mental Health Foundation Board President. He was an Elder at Deep Run Presbyterian Church.
In Eagles Mere, Walter served as an active member of the Eagles Mere Conservancy and as president of the Eagles Mere County Club which held a special place in his heart. He was an Elder at Eagles Mere Presbyterian Church.
Known as Walter, Walt, Dad, Wa-wa and Pop-Pop, his wisdom, leadership, guidance, love and songs of grace will be greatly missed by all, especially his loving and devoted son, C. Scott Rubel, who cared for his father during the last years of his life.
In Walter's own words: "Your Elders Direct That You: Pursue lives of meaning and purpose. Share in the joys of family life. Find understanding in solving differences. Use God-given talents for the benefit of all. Be humble if you meet misfortune. Not forget those in need. Cultivate thoughts in a green mind. Cherish the best in each other. Remember your roots. Accept that you venture forth with care and love" (March 27, 2009).
As an expression of sympathy, please consider a donation to the Grand View Health Foundation, 700 Lawn Avenue, Sellersville, PA 18960, (215) 513-3935, https://www.gvh.org/grand-view-health-foundation-main. In the memo, please put "In Memory of Walter L. Rubel."
A celebration of life will be held at a later date due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA 18614.
To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to homerfuneralhome.com.