John Michael ("Jack") Rubelman

John Michael (“Jack”) Rubelman, age 66, passed away on November 10, 2024 with his four loving sisters by his side. Born in Wilmington, DE, on February 2, 1958, he was the beloved son of the late Theodore R. (“Ted”) Rubelman, Jr. and the late Florence R. (“Flossie”) (Vassalotti) Rubelman. He leaves behind his sisters Kathy Baffone (Mike), Debbie Rubelman (Dave), Lisa Hernandez (Rick) and Nancy Rubelman; and nieces and nephew Mandi and Jill Baffone, Erica Rubelman and Jason and Liz Hernandez. Jack graduated from William Penn High School where he was a cross-country runner, and went on to graduate from Del Tech with a degree in electronics. Jack proudly served in the U.S. Navy where he furthered his electronics education, amassing several commendations. Being in the Navy allowed him to travel across the country, enjoying various destinations. He was stationed on bases such as Mare Island, Vallejo, CA and Chicago, IL. He used to joke that his toughest assignment was in Key West, FL. There he learned a great deal about the famous landmarks of Duval Street. Jack was a die-hard fan of all Philadelphia teams, especially his beloved Eagles and Phillies. As he would often say, “Sunday is for the Birds.” His vast knowledge of sports and his memory for all players, stats, Superbowl and World Series scores was second to none, often talking specifics about games from over 50 years ago. With all of his travels in the Navy, he made it his mission to see as many major league ballparks as he could. Jack had a great love of all genres of music. Some of his favorite artists were Muddy Waters, BB King, Sam Cooke, the Grateful Dead (attending a few of their concerts), Jimmy Cliff, the Beatles (to name only a few), and all music from the 60’s and 70’s. He also enjoyed watching his favorite TV shows M*A*S*H and Seinfeld, where we could hear his laughter throughout his house. Jack had his challenges growing up with four sisters. He didn’t have much of a say in anything. Even as an adult, he took the “advice” of those four sisters whom he lovingly called the “General”, the “Colonel”, the “Sergeant” and the “Boss”. Jack loved his family and made it a point to tell them that he appreciated them as often as possible. His sisters will sorely miss him, but will keep him in their hearts forever. They couldn’t ask for a better brother. Jack was a lovable soul with a heart of gold. Once you knew him, you remembered him and all that was good about him – his infectious laugh, his sunny disposition and his empathy for others. He faced his illnesses like a warrior, never complaining. He will be missed not only by his family and loved ones, but by all who knew him. He was funny and kind and made you glad that you crossed paths with him. His family would like to give a special thanks to all the staff at the Helen Graham Cancer Center for the kindness and care they gave to him. They made his days there more bearable. A special mention to Michael at Helen Graham who was there to greet Jack at the door with a helping hand, a smile and kind words. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12:30 pm on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 12:30 pm. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here; or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or online by clicking here.

John Michael ("Jack") Rubelman

February 2, 1958 - November 10, 2024