Sallyann "Sally" Rubin

Born in 1931 to Joseph and Tillie Kantor in Boston, Massachusetts, Sally grew up surrounded by love and warmth. In 1951, she married the love of her life, Howard Rubin, and together they built a beautiful life filled with devotion and adventure. They raised three children and shared a marriage that spanned 61 years.

In 1963, Sally and Howard moved to Melbourne, Florida, drawn by the warm climate and the burgeoning excitement of the Space Age. It was here that they put down roots and built a loving home. Sally initially devoted herself to raising their children, volunteering at their schools, and serving the community. In 1971, she returned to the workforce, retiring in 1994 after a fulfilling career as a Human Resources Benefits Representative at Harris Corporation.

A passionate advocate for her faith, Sally and Howard were among the founding members of Temple Israel in Merritt Island, Florida, in 1965. As Brevard County’s first Reform Jewish congregation, the temple was a foundation in their lives. Sally was honored in 2015 at Temple Israel’s 50th anniversary as one of its original founders, a role she cherished deeply.

Even in retirement, Sally and Howard remained active and dedicated to their community. They became involved with the Valiant Air Command in Titusville, Florida, where Sally served as a board member and Howard as a docent. For many years they helped to organize the annual Warbird Airshows and fundraised to build the Warbird Air Museum which stands today as a tribute to aviation history serving to preserve and educate citizens about the importance of the men and women who flew them, maintained them, and fought in these aircraft.

Their volunteer efforts extended to the Liberty Bell Museum and the Space Coast Early Intervention Center (now Space Coast Discovery) in Melbourne. Sally also contributed to the Harris Corporation Retirees’ Association as a board secretary. From 2013 to 2019, she selflessly served as an Elder Counselor with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program, helping seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare and insurance.

Sally is survived by her sister Elaine Whitener. Sally’s three children, sons Lawrence (Deborah) and Mark (Cindy), daughter Janis (Angel) and grandchildren Amanda (Benjamin), Christopher, and Alexander. Sally especially cherished her close relationship with her daughter Janis, her son-in-law Angel and adoring grandson Alexander, who lovingly and steadfastly supported her in her later years. She also leaves behind treasured cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Sally was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Howard Rubin, her parents Joseph and Tillie Kantor, and sister Ina Tompkins.

A Memorial Service will be held at The Life Event Center at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 US-1, Rockledge, Florida 32955 on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 with visitation and service at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Health First Foundation, 1350 Hickory Street, Melbourne, FL 32901, or Space Coast Discovery (Space Coast Early Intervention Center) – Tim and Stacy Wakefield Memorial Fund, 3790 Dairy Road, Melbourne, FL 32904. Both are organizations Sally felt strongly about.