I feel very privileged to have known Mr. Rubitski, and even more privileged to have had him as an English teacher. And as unsophisticated as it may sound, the only way to describe him is as just the coolest guy ever. He was kind and friendly to all of his students, especially to me and my friends. We'd joke around and talk about boxing and the Air Force and stuff. I was saddened to learn of his death while I was away at school and after his funeral. I also regret never having the opportunity to see him after I was commissioned as a cadet in the Air Force. Even after he retired, Mr. Rubitski still partook in the lives of his favorite students. Occaisonally subbing at Valley, we'd always make a point to stop in after (or during) classes to say hi and laugh about old times. Mr. Rube will be fondly remembered by myself, and the rest of my class.Michael J.Rubitski, 64, of 325 Beaver Brook Road, died Friday at Lawrence &Memorial Hospital in New London. He was born on Sept. 16, 1937, in Wilkes Barre, Pa., the son of Anthony and Bertha Daniel Rubitski. He married Marilyn Leathers on June 18, 1960, in Brewer, Maine. Mr. Rubitski was a resident of Lyme for the past 16 years and had previously lived in Old Lyme for 20 years. He graduated from Hanover Township High School in Wilkes Barre in 1955, and Kings College in Wilkes Barre in 1963.He served in the Air Force from 1955 to 1959.Mr. Rubitski taught English at John Winthrop Junior High School in Deep River from 1963 until his retirement in 1998. He served as department head for many years, and coached girls' softball. Upon retirement, he enjoyed his role as an Amateur Softball Association (ASA)umpire.He volunteered for over 20 years with the New London Selective Service Board, retiring in 2000 after serving as chairman. Mr. Rubitski was a charter member of the Lyme-Old Lyme Lions Club, having joined in 1972. He received the Lion of the Year award for 2000-2001.He was a member of Christ the King Church in Old Lyme.In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, David Rubitski of Old Lyme; two daughters, Beth Lang of Folsom, Calif., and Jennifer Lathrop of Salem; a brother, Joseph Rubitski of Binghamton, N.Y.; a sister, Mary Jones of Wilkes Barre; and four grandchildren.He was predeceased by a brother, Francis Rubitski; and a sister, Leona Surwila.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Christ the King Church in Old Lyme. Burial will follow in Duck River Cemetery in Old Lyme.Calling hours are 6-8 p.m. Monday at the Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Beckwith Lane, Old Lyme.Memorial donations may be made Macular Degeneration Research, c/o Lyme/Old Lyme Lions Club, P.O. Box 32, Old Lyme CT 06371, or the Lions Low Vision Center, c/o Jeffrey Anderson, 120 Middle Road, Ellington CT 06020.
