Obituary: Alan Stephen Rubenstein
Alan Stephen Rubenstein (1939-2019) was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle.
Alan Stephen Rubenstein (1939-2019) was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle, prolific entrepreneur, talented salesman, avid teller of jokes, international president of the Hebrew Order of David, the patriarch of the extended Rubenstein family, and an all-around mensch.
Alan was born Feb. 20, 1939, in Johannesburg, South Africa, to Solly and Rose (née Shub) Rubenstein, and lived in Atlanta since 1977. He began his career working for his father’s tire retreading business, and went on to own businesses in retreading, IT services, electric vehicles, and home remodeling, among many other ventures. Along the way, he visited almost 50 different countries and had friends all over the world.
After moving his family to the United States, Alan became a mentor and bridge-builder for many South African immigrants to come. Alan had a gift of seeing the common humanity in everyone. He treated others with respect and love, regardless of status or nationality. He gave generously of his time, treasure and talents. He was a community builder, a mentor to many and a friend to all. Alan was instrumental in creating the first HOD lodge in North America and helped to grow the organization to nine North American lodges. He got great pleasure being the international grand president of HOD, now in five countries with 25 lodges. He embodied the soul of HOD to serve the community, applying Jewish ideals and values. With his greatest love Joan, he raised a beautiful family, traveled the world, and built a legacy of love and community. Alan lived life to the fullest. He never failed to have a joke for every moment, saw an opportunity in everything and shared his love generously.
He is survived by his wife Joan (née Fedler) Rubenstein; brother Brian Rubenstein (Gayle); brother-in-law David; children Darryl Rubenstein, Andrea Janis (Stephen), Leanne Rubenstein and Brad Rubenstein (Mandi); grandchildren Kenny Janis, Shana Janis, Allie Rubenstein, Trevor Rubenstein, Ethan Rubenstein, Aaron Rubenstein and Saul Rubenstein; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Solly and Rose Rubenstein, his sister Jenny Lurie (née Rubenstein) and his son Saul Rubenstein. Donations can be made to Hebrew Order of David Foundation Inc., 300 Nell Court, Atlanta, GA 30342, online at www.hodnorthamerica.org/donate-now/ click donate HOD Foundation; or Weinstein Hospice at www.weinsteinhospice.com. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
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