Community mainstay and former Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce executive Jeffrey A. Rubel died Monday, leaving behind a legacy of service.
He was 69.
Retiring from his post at the chamber in 2010, Mr. Rubel devoted even more time for volunteer activities. At the time of his death, he was chairman of the Howard Gardner School in Scranton and president of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Even as he spent several months a year in Florida, Mr. Rubel spent nearly as many hours conferencing with community groups in which he was active as he did on the golf course, recalled friend Ed Monsky.
"He was enjoying his retirement, but didn't seem to have much time to enjoy it," Mr. Monsky said. "Giving back to the community was just part of who he was and he loved it."
Among the general public, Mr. Rubel may be best known as the long-time host of the WVIA-TV auction, which he hosted in the event's early days as a volunteer. He distinguished himself and the fundraiser by his humor, often wearing plaid pants and funny hats to keep viewers' and bidders' interest.
In his career, he was a marketing and sales professional. For nearly two decades he was a vice president at the chamber, where he worked to bridge a gap between employer and educator, connecting students to in-demand careers through Skills in Scranton.
Phil Condron, past acting executive director of the chamber, lauded Mr. Rubel's vision and ability to coordinate between employers and schools.
"He was able to see opportunities and develop the programs to meet the needs of employers," he said.
With a well-known sense of humor and public speaking skills, Mr. Rubel often hosted charity auctions or served as toastmaster for events.
No matter what activity Mr. Rubel engaged in, whether the Jewish Community Center as a child, Penn State University as a student or the Glen Oak Country Club as an adult, Mr. Rubel would go on to claim a leadership position. Penn State honored him as Alumnus of the Year.
Friends were shocked by Mr. Rubel's sudden passing.
Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com