Joseph A. Rubera

He was born in Hartford, the son of Paul and Santina Rubera.

Mr. Rubera served in the Pacific Theater with the US Army during World War II. He was attached to the 164th Infantry Regiment, and saw action on Leyte, Bougainville, Guadalcanal, and the Solomon Islands. He was awarded two Service Stars and a Purple Heart, and was always appreciative of the stellar and brave work done by the U.S. Marines who cleared the way for his regiment’s operations in the South Pacific.

He was self employed for many years as a builder in Old Lyme. He enjoyed athletics, in particular skiing, tennis, and handball, and was at one time a leading ballroom dancer in Hartford. He also spent many happy days attending his grandsons’ soccer, baseball, lacrosse and hockey games in New Jersey, New England, Canada and Ohio. He enjoyed competition and sportsmanship, and was a great fan of the UConn Women’s Basketball program.

He also enjoyed being surrounded by his granddaughters and great-granddaughter, who faithfully visited him and brought joy to his life.

He is survived by his wife Jennie A. Rubera; his daughters Nancy Rubera of Berlin and Joan Finnell and her husband B.J. of Chester, VT; his brothers Michael Rubera of Methuen, MA and Sal Rubera and his wife Lena of Seabrook, NH; his sisters Lucille Laing and Sandra Rubera, both of E. Hartford and Isabel Eagleson of Tolland; his granddaughters Jennifer, Melissa, Sarah and Kimberly; his grandsons Nicholas and Benjamin and his great granddaughter Madison; and nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday March 20th at 10 am in Christ The King Church, McCurdy Rd., Old Lyme. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of SECT, 220 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.