08/13/2026
Rubin Feldstein
Rubin Feldstein, beloved father, grandfather, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 13, 2026, at the Sunrise Assisted Living residence in Cresskill, New Jersey. At 93 years old, Rubin was grateful for a long and active life, thankful to spend his final days surrounded by family and friends.
Rubin’s story began on February 15, 1933, in Zamoscz, Poland, a place that would forever be a part of his remarkable journey. As a five year old child, he escaped Poland with his family in September 1938, just months before the N***s invaded. As Rubin would say, "It was a good year to leave Poland." His family immigrated to the United States, joining his uncle in Milwaukee, a city that shaped his early years and formed the basis for many stories he would tell throughout his life. Those stories, full of warmth and humor, became treasured gifts for all who heard them. He loved sharing accounts of his journey to America, the adventures of his youth in Milwaukee, and the proud moments that punctuated his professional and personal life.
A lifelong learner, Rubin pursued higher education with determination and vigor, earning his Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, in 1963, and an MS in Education from the College of the City of New York. Later, he continued his studies at Rutgers University and other institutions, always deepening his knowledge and his passion for education, his life’s calling.
Rubin devoted his career to nurturing children and guiding teachers. He served as a high school and junior high school teacher, guidance counselor, and assistant principal before taking on the role of Principal at Irene E. Feldkirchner Elementary School in Greenbrook, New Jersey, a position he held from 1972 until his retirement in 1990. During these years, he touched countless lives with his dedication, good nature, sense of humor, and deep belief in the transformative power of education. He kept a joke box in the school office where students could submit jokes or riddles and he would read one of them each morning. For Rubin, his work was a labor of love—a way to give back to the community and nurture future generations.
Outside of work, Rubin cherished his time outdoors, taking long walks and finding joy in nature’s beauty, especially during his years in Asheville, North Carolina, where the mountains never ceased to inspire him. He was an avid traveler, museum-goer, and devoted student of Yiddish culture—teaching adult classes and delighting in sharing the language. He was also passionate about community service, volunteering as a firefighter, a Guardian ad Litem, at local food pantries, and at his synagogues in New Jersey and Asheville. Rubin made a point of taking every opportunity he was given to share his family story with young people to make them aware of the Holocaust and teach them the importance of fighting prejucide and welcoming immigrants to our country.
Rubin’s heart was largest when it came to his family. His proudest accomplishments, he often said, were raising his three children and supporting their own journeys. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Rabbi Paula Feldstein, and her husband, Rabbi Jordan Millstein; his loving son, Michael Feldstein, and his wife, Kathy Kessler; and his cherished daughter, Sharon Feldstein, and her husband, Chris Barrella. Rubin was a proud grandfather to Eve and Sarah Millstein, who will carry his stories and his spirit with them always.
Preceding Rubin in death were his beloved wife, Ann Feldstein, who was his partner through 54 years of joy and challenge, and his dear sister, Sylvia Sherr—both never far from his thoughts.
Rubin will be remembered for his kind and giving nature, his sense of humor, his unflagging curiosity, and his gift for connecting with others. Whether through a joke at breakfast, a spirited conversation about current events, or a simple act of helpfulness, he truly was, in his own words, “a people person.” He lived his convictions, advocating for social justice, and reminding everyone around him of the importance of empathy, humor, and hope.
A funeral service to honor Rubin’s extraordinary life will be held at 12:30 PM on August 16 at Temple Sinai Bergen County, 1 Engle Street, Tenafly, NJ. Following the service, burial will take place at 2:30 PM at Beth El Cemetery, 735 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ.
Rubin Feldstein leaves behind a legacy of learning, laughter and love. His memory will forever leave a smile on the faces of those who knew him, his lessons and laughter echoing through generations yet to come.
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