50-Year Wantagh Firefighter And Model 'A' Car Enthusiast Dies

WANTAGH, NY — A 50-year member of the Wantagh Fire Department has died. Funeral services for Al Rubinson were held Sunday at Gutterman's Funeral Home, the department announced Thursday. Rubinson, who was recently honored for his half-century of service to Engine 1, was buried at Wellwood Cemetery in West Babylon. Numerous firefighters from Wantagh and Massapequa, where his son Scott serves as captain of Engine 4, attended the service.

Rubinson was born Sept. 17, 1939, and became a firefighter in 1969 assigned to Engine 1 at Headquarters. He served as lieutenant and captain.

"Al was always willing to pitch in and help out," the Wantagh Fire Department wrote in a Facebook post announcing his death.

Fire Capt. Steve Cohen told Patch in a statement that guys like Rubinson are "few and far between" when it comes to volunteer firefighting.

"With his strength of dedication and loyalty over those 50 years, Al was the type of someone you don’t see very often," Cohen said. "Al was a special man and he will be sorely missed."

Former Chief Ron Hunter, who knew Rubinson for nearly his entire time as a firefighter, said Rubinson loved the fire department and routinely offered to help.

"He was one of the guys that would always run into the firehouse for an alarm and was very dedicated," Hunter said. "He would help a friend in need with electrical issues, often with his own tools and supplies, and never expect anything in return."

In addition to serving as Wantagh Hook Ladder and Engine Company 1 historian, Rubinson served on many committees, including the election, fund drive and fire prevention committees. He was also active on the hazardous materials, or hazmat, team. He attended numerous fire prevention presentations at local schools, helped children go through the so-called "smoke house" and teaching them how to safely evacuate a burning home.

"Al was a reliable and enthusiastic firefighter who was always willing to do what he could to help and was still riding the fire apparatus and packing fire hose up until a year or so ago," the fire department said.

Rubinson was married for 59 years to his wife, Sandy, who is an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Wantagh Fire Department. The two had three children: Scott, who is married to Lynn; Tracy, who is to married to Joe; and Larry who is married to Paulina. The Rubinsons have seven grandchildren.

After living in Wantagh for many years, Rubinson and his wife moved to Massapequa, though both remained active in the Wantagh Fire Department, officials said.

In addition to serving his community as a firefighter, Rubinson was also a local electrician for many years. He was also known to be a proud Model "A" car enthusiast and enjoyed driving his car and helping other club members repair theirs.

"He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need," the department wrote.

The fire department added: "Every one who knew Al will miss his smile, happy disposition and willingness to help. May he rest in Peace."