Obituary of Donald Rubin

l Donald Seymour Rubin died peacefully on May 7, 2013. Donald was born on June 5, 1922 in Albany, N.Y. , the son of the late Louis and Bessie Rubin. He graduated from Albany High School and from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (R.P.I.) in 1943 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He graduated from Officer Training School at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1944 and during World War II served as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion (Seabees) from 1944 to 1946. After his return, he received a B. S. in Architecture from R.P.I. in 1947. He married Bernice Coplin of Troy in 1947. Donald joined Sano- Rubin Construction Company in 1948 as the second generation of the family in the company that was started in 1912. He was a construction industry leader as President of Sano- Rubin for 40 years, and during his tenure the company built many prominent Capital District landmarks, including hospitals and health care facilities ( Albany Medical Center, St. Peter's Hospital, Albany Memorial Hospital , St. Mary's Hospital, Amsterdam Memorial Hospital , CHP, Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home, Wesley Nursing Home); schools ( Shaker Junior/ Senior High School, Bethlehem Central High School, Niskayuna High School, Ravena- Coeymans- Selkirk High School); college buildings ( R.P.I. Student Union, Albany College of Pharmacy), churches and temples, Capital Newspapers. He was one of the founders of the Eastern Contractors Association, and was known as a great and respected negotiator by the building trades. Donald was known for his quick wit, his meticulous approach to building, unblemished integrity, and determination. It was known that "his bark was worse than his bite," and although he could be stubborn and sometimes seen as intimidating, he was truly soft -hearted to those who knew him well. He was generous to organizations serving the community, serving on the boards of the Northeast Association for the Blind, Maria College, and the Eastern Contractors Association. Donald was devoted to his family and proud of each and every member's unique accomplishments. He leaves his wife Bernice, his daughter Lynn of New York City, his son David (Carole Ju), and granddaughters Anna of Boston, Mass and Sarah. Services and interment will take place privately. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 16th at 12 noon at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Road Albany.Friends and relatives are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Northeast Association for the Blind, Daughters of Sarah Foundation or St Peter's Hospital Foundation.Mr.Rubin's family would like to thank the Doctors, staff and friends at St. Peter's Hospital, the Terrace at Beverwyck and the Daughters of Sarah for their many acts of kindness.