Harold Rubin

In the early hours of Tuesday, October 19, 2021, Harold Rubin (85) of Bensalem, PA passed away with his loving wife at his side.

After immigrating to the United States from Poland in 1949, Harold immediately began acclimating to the unfamiliar yet promising new world in which he found himself. His dedication to quickly mastering the English language and learning to confidently navigate his new surroundings allowed him to fully immerse himself in his new life, free to pursue his education and gradually build a desired future. Harold was extraordinarily proud to become an American citizen and for the opportunity to hone a remarkable work ethic as he established a life for himself and – eventually – his family.

In the years that followed, Harold earned his Bachelor's degree (Wilkes University, formerly Wilkes College), served in the Army and moved to Philadelphia where he put down roots before starting his own industrial supply company which he would keep running for 40+ years before retiring.

Soon after moving to Philadelphia, Harold (Hal to many) would receive a phone call from Lisa, a family friend who lived nearby, who asked if she and a girlfriend might get a ride with Harold back to their hometown where they and their families would be celebrating the Jewish holidays.

Harold said yes.

Days later and back in the city, Harold brought Lisa's bags up to her apartment and said goodbye.

Shortly after, a knock on the door. Harold was back, this time to ask for a date.

Lisa said yes. (Those bright blue eyes were hard to resist.)

One phone call, one round-trip car ride and one gutsy question led to a date … and then to another … and eventually to a beautiful 54-year marriage.

A private person, Harold kept aspects of his earlier years in Poland mostly to himself. But those who were lucky enough to hear him tell his story were unfailingly left intrigued and deeply moved.
Harold had a knack for finding happiness and enjoyment in life's simple pleasures. An avid jogger, an impressive number of laps around the local running tracks never failed to clear his mind and relax his soul. This proved to be a highly effective way to calm his nerves on those occasions when his favorite Philly sports teams left him rattled. He loved relaxing on the beach and floating atop the waves in Long Beach Island, NJ. A night on the couch watching a Blue Bloods marathon was always a good night. However, nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family. No matter where he was, if his family was there, he was exactly where he wanted to be.

Harold was the beloved husband of Lisa (nee Cohen); loving father of Karen (Thomas) Brennan and Jill (Matt) Wichner; adoring grandfather of Emily and Halle Brennan; treasured brother of Blanche (Michael) Cohen and the late Rochelle Kurlander. Harold was preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Rebecca (Stern) Rubin. Relatives and friends are invited to graveside services Friday October 22, 1:00 PM at Roosevelt Memorial Park, 2701 Old Lincoln Ave, Trevose, PA.

For those who wish to contribute in Harold's memory, his family asks that you consider donating to either Fox Chase Cancer Center (www.foxchase.org/giving/ways-give/donate-now) or Congregation Tifereth Israel (www.tiferethisraelpa.org/giving/) – both very close to his heart.