William T. Rubis

+William T. Rubis  1937 – 2024

William “Bill” Thomas Rubis, the son of Naum “Thomas” Rubis and Margarita Rubis, was born and raised in Philadelphia.  He went on to complete West Philadelphia High School and volunteered for the US Army 1958-1960, serving as part of the Honor Guard for the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe based in Paris.  He earned a degree in Industrial Management from La Salle University while playing basketball and subsequently working for Philco on their part in the “Minuteman” missile program.  He went on to manage restaurants for Howard Johnson’s, eventually owning with partners the Oregon Diner and the M&R Diner in succession.   Selling his investments in the restaurants, he went on to a second career with the Internal Revenue Service.  His sharp eyes and excellent mathematical skills were put to good use by the agency to check the accuracy of the calculations and determinations of his co-workers.   

A multi-talented man who could prepare a five-star meal, paint a house, or make successful investment decisions, Bill Rubis was above all else a sincere man of the Orthodox faith, dedicated to his extended family, and caring for his mother Margarita until her falling asleep in the Lord at the age of 101.   He was pre-deceased by his parents and his sister Sophie.  He was a truly generous man to the Orthodox Churches, a loving son and brother, a special “Xhaxhi Billi,” and a reliable friend to many.   He will be truly mourned and missed by his family (and their spouses) brothers, John (Virginia) and Christopher, nephews and niece, Gregory (Sharon), Diana, Andrew (Ekaterina), Paul, and John (Diane), grandnephews and grandnieces, Isaak, Ilia, Marena, Gabriela, Emily, and Ethan.  

The rite of burial will be held at the Albanian Orthodox Church of St. John Chrysostom, 237 N. 17th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103 on Wednesday, the 17th of January, 2024 at 11:00 AM.  The service will be preceded by the viewing and visitation hour from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.  Fr. Kai, Fr. Gregory, and Fr. Andrew will serve together.   The funeral will conclude in the Mausoleum at Fernwood Cemetery. 

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