Jarrell "Tank" Rubinett

Jarrell "Tank" Rubinett, 88, husband, father, grandfather, business person, philanthropist, mentor and active member of the Austin Jewish community for almost 70 years died on March 29, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley, and his children, Gordon and Susan Rubinett, Benita Rubinett and Larry Elsner, and Lynn Rubinett and Rick Levy. He was proudest of his grandchildren, Sara Rubinett and Nicole Roberts, Sophie Elsner, Rose, Isaac, and Jesse Levy-Rubinett.

He was born in Dallas on August 28, 1925 and came to UT, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He founded Austin Candy Company, Austin Drug Company and later Special Sales. He was a salesperson extraordinaire. His favorite saying was, "Always give a person the opportunity to say no," but he rarely took no for an answer. He was a leader of Congregation Agudas Achim. He twice served as President and helped to found the Aytz Chaim Foundation to fund educational and cultural opportunities for members of the congregation. He was often called upon to serve as a lay rabbi and cantor as needed, and for many his voice and his spirit were a highlight of services. In retirement, he founded Aytz Chaim Book Project, devoted to placing Jewish books in rural and school libraries across Texas. He was learned, ethical, and passionate in all of his dealings. He made friends in unusual places and had a zest for people and for life itself. He never read the obituaries.

Services will be held on Monday, March 31 at Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow.

The family wishes to thank Ace Alsup, M.D. and Donna Walker for their dedication and compassion over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Aytz Chaim Foundation, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731.