Harold C. Rubenstein

Harold C. Rubenstein, avid tennis player, lover of all Boston sports teams, teller of puns and jokes, dedicated husband, devoted father, caring father-in-law, proud Zayde (grandfather), loving brother, beloved uncle, loyal friend and helpful neighbor, passed away with grace and dignity on April 27th at the age of 80.

Hal was born on September 28, 1945 and grew up in Milford, Massachusetts. He was the son of the late Ruth and David Rubenstein. He played on the Milford High School football team where he was a “force to be reckoned with” on the field. He graduated from Milford High in 1963 and attended UMass Amherst where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business.

He began his career working for Pellon, and after 7 years, he decided to open his own business called the “Sportsman’s Locker”, which he ran for 16 years. Everyone in Chelmsford would go to Hal’s store for “Chelmsford Jackets” sneakers and athletic gear. It is likely, if you grew up in Chelmsford you wore something that Hal sold. He then worked at Brine’s Sporting Goods and he finished out his working career at Lowe’s Home Improvement, where he was still working 5 weeks before his passing. Hal was a member of the Jaycees, where he met many of his lifelong friends.

Hal deeply loved his family and their traditions. Whether it was lobster in Maine, latke making for Hanukkah, turkey carving for Thanksgiving, birthday dinners, or any family event, he was the first one to arrive.

Tennis was Hal’s other great love. Throughout his years, he played in many leagues and coordinated most of them. With a strong nerve, a brain for the game and nasty backhand, Hal was always eyeing the win. His family hopes that there are tennis courts awaiting him in heaven.

Hal leaves behind his dedicated wife, Rose (Simon) Rubenstein, of 53 years of marriage. He is also survived by his proudest accomplishments–his children and their spouses: son Andy Rubenstein and his wife, Lynne Rubenstein of Franklin, Massachusetts; and daughter Heather Vonada and her husband, Jeff Vonada of Hartland, Vermont; as well as his cherished grandchildren: David Rubenstein, Craig Rubenstein, Ruby Vonada and Russell Vonada. He also leaves behind his doting sister Elaine Streger and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Monday, May 4th at 10 AM at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington Street, Canton, MA. Burial will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA.

Shiva will be held at the home of Rose Rubenstein on Tuesday, May 5th from 4 to 7 PM, and will continue at the home of Andy and Lynne Rubenstein on Thursday, May 7th from 5 to 8 PM, drop-in visiting hours with shiva minyan evening service at 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please take your loved ones out for dinner, tell some jokes and enjoy the company or pick up a tennis racket and play a set in Hal’s honor.

If you would like to donate in Hal’s honor, donations can be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org or the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org