Obituary of Martin Rubin

Albany, New York Sept 13, 1928- September 6, 2011 Dr Martin Rubin passed away peacefully on September 6th in the loving arms of his family. He will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him, and he will be remembered for his many unique gifts, talents, and passions. Martin grew up in Watertown where he came to live at the age of 4. Interestingly, Martin's father, Sam, who worked in the glass business in Brooklyn, NY, made quite a name for himself as the Foreman on the glass-laying phase of the Empire State Building. Following the success of that project, he moved his family to the tranquility of Watertown and started a small glass business. Martin graduated from Watertown High School in 1946, and immediately joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was honorably discharged in 1949. Upon his military discharge, Martin entered St Lawrence University, where he began his pre-dental studies. In 1951, he transferred to the University of Buffalo to finish his undergraduate degree, graduating with Phi Beta Kappa honors. He then began his professional training at U.B., and received his Dental Degree in 1955. Martin went on to practice dentistry in Watertown for the next 24 years. He practiced dentistry in the same fashion as he led his life. He did so with remarkable skill, and always with the very highest standards of ethics and professional integrity. Martin was self-effacing and a gentleman to all. A gifted musician, Martin was classically trained as an oboe and bassoon player. He kept up an active career as a professional woodwind player with the Symphony Orchestras of Hamilton and St Catherine, Ontario throughout his undergraduate and dental studies. This was a pattern for Martin, as he also excelled as a jazz saxophonist and clarinet player throughout his military service, playing at V.I.P military events all over the country. If the challenges of balancing Dental School studies and a full time professional music career weren't enough, Martin's wife Eleanor (Holstein) Rubin, also of Watertown, who he married just before entering dental school, presented her astonished husband (no ultrasounds then!) with a set of twin boys, Jay and Michael during his sophomore year. With his new young family in tow, Martin returned to Watertown to begin his dental practice. Not quite exhausted enough, Martin also found the energy to devote to taking a turn as President of The Jefferson County Dental Society, and later as an officer in the 5th District Dental Society of New York. By 1980, Martin was thinking about his next career challenge. Martin never "thought" about new challenges for very long. He applied for, and with stiff competition from perhaps better qualified (at least "on paper") candidates from academia, Martin was appointed Executive Secretary of The State of New York Board for Dentistry in Albany. He was appointed, in this capacity, as the only full time position by the New York State Board of Regents. Now, after 29 years of marriage, Martin and Ellie began their next courtship phase which involved week-end commutes while Martin worked in Albany, and Ellie began getting ready to sell the family home in Watertown. Martin would excel in this capacity for the next 14 years before retiring. Following his retirement from New York State, Martin worked as Director of Education for The New York State Dental Association until 2002. From 2002 until the present time, Martin was still being looked to for his expertise as the Association's Chief Dental Consultant for Legal Affairs. Throughout his career in Dentistry, Martin never failed to appreciate his primary purpose in life, which was to be a devoted husband and loving father. He never failed to make time for his family. He was also a skilled model enthusiast who built exquisite miniature model trains completely by hand with the skill of a micro-surgeon. This was also the exacting manner in which he tied his own flies as a passionate and prolific fly fisherman. Martin didn't just "enjoy" fishing. He was as good as they get. Smallmouth Bass in Lake Ontario and The St Lawrence River were never safe when Martin was near. The family's week-end fishing trips out of Cape Vincent on the family's classic Lyman were quite remarkable. It was not uncommon for the local professional fishing guides to be shadowing Martin Rubin's Lyman. They knew that he knew where the fish were. His sons continue to have a strong passion for boating and fishing as a result of these magical family outings. Martin leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years, Ellie. He is also survived by his son Michael and wife Laura of East Setauket, NY, and his son Jay of Jericho, Vermont. He was very, very proud of his four grandchildren Jessica, Tyler, Alyssa, and Emma. Martin's only brother, Dr Daniel Rubin and his wife Lina live in Portola Valley California. Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at the Degel Israel Synagogue in Watertown, New York with interment in the Degel Israel Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Dr. Rubin in a special way may make a memorial contribution to the Degel Israel Synagogue, 557 Thompson Blvd.Watertown, NY 13601 or the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue Menands, New York 12204. A memorial service will be held in Albany at a date and time to be announced.