Robert B. Rubel (Benji) passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 7, 2020, in Highland Hospital after a short illness. Born January 9, 1942, Benji never moved far from where he was born and grew up with his parents Hilda & Eddie Rubel, and his older brother Ed. His last home was less than a mile from his first.
Benji graduated from Pittsford Central School in 1959, and from Trinity College, Hartford, CT, in 1963. After his 6 months active duty in the US Army Reserve, he returned home and joined his brother in running the family machine shop. They ran it together until 2004, when he struck out on his own and formed a new specialty tool company for recreation vehicles. He sold that in 2017, and at the time of his death, was relaxing and enjoying life, friends, euchre and his dog.
He was a Past Master of Frank R. Lawrence Lodge #797 F&AM. He was also a member of the Bushnell’s Basin Fire Department for almost 60 years, first as an active member of the Line and then as a member and officer of the Bushnell’s Basin Exempts. He served effectively for many years as Treasurer of the Exempts. But he will best be remembered for his cooking skills. Along with his close friend, Greg Smith, who joined at the same time, they created many feasts for the Exempts and for the whole department – steak roasts, corned beef and cabbage for St.Patrick’s Day and pig roasts. Their culinary skills were unmatched.
He is survived by his brother Edward (Julie) of Rochester, two nephews Scott (Mark) of Austin, TX, and Jeff (Dacia) of Wenham, MA; and two grand- nieces Charlotte & Katherine of Wenham, MA. All funeral arrangements will be private, at the convenience of the family.
Anyone wishing to make a donation in Benji’s name may do so the Bushnell’s Basin Fire Department, 661 Kreag Road, Pittsford, NY 14534, or to a charity of their choice.
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6 responses to “Rubel, Robert B. “Benji””
I HAVE KNOWN BENJIE SINCE HE JOINED THE BUSHNELLS BASIN FIRE DEPARTMENT. YES – HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. LET’S ALL MAKE A TOAST TO BENJIE A TRUE FRIEND. JERRY AND TONI THOMPSON-BBFA EXEMPTS
My Sympathy to Benjie’s Family and the members of the Bushnells Basin FD and Exempts. We will miss him. I came to the Basin in 45 years ago and got to know him well. We enjoyed each other’s company. I have heard the story of his life at our events at BBFD. I was on his cooking crew. He patiently stood up to his failing health in recent years. May he be welcomed to the place the Lord has prepared for him in Peace. As chaplain I think I convinced him that there was a place for him. Chaplain BBFD Bill Michatek
I was shocked to read Benj has passed away. I send my sorrow to the whole family.
I’ve know Benji since my dad joined ‘The Basin’ in 1964. Rest in Peace my friend. We’ll take it from here…
Benji and I were born days apart and went from Kindergarten to Graduation from Pittsford Central School together. Our class of 75 students grew to know each other quite well. Here’s what we knew about Benji – he was the smartest one of us all. And, if you knew anything about music, you recognized that he was a superior French horn player. My sincerest condolences to Ed, other family members and to his friends. I always held him in high regard.
I went through school with Benji and the last time I saw him was at a Euchre tournament in Perinton. My parents were active in the Bushnell’s Basin Fire Department and Exempts and were very fond of him. My condolences to Ed and all the family.