Bucks Co. Army Colonel Remembered With Bridge Dedication

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Col. Daniel "Larry" Rubini, who spent his life devoted to national security, justice, and veteran advocacy, was remembered on Friday with the dedication of a bridge in his honor.

Standing at the approach to the bridge and in front of a giant American flag displayed by a Northampton Township fire truck, state and local officials gathered to dedicate the Worthington Mill Road bridge connecting Northampton with Wrightstown townships as the Col. Daniel L. Rubini Memorial Bridge.

“Col. Rubini spent his life building connections between people, institutions and nations,” said State Rep. Kristin Marcell, who was instrumental in passing legislation honoring Col. Rubini with the bridge dedication. “Naming this bridge in his honor is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his career to public service, international cooperation, and the rule of law.”

Rubini, a longtime Bucks County resident, served more than 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserves as a judge advocate general and civil affairs officer.

Throughout a distinguished military career, he was deployed around the globe in support of American diplomacy, humanitarian missions and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. His assignments included Operation Desert Storm, Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he served as senior advisor to the Ministry of Justice.

General Thomas J. Matthews spoke about Col. Larry Rubini's many accomplishments. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The flag of the United States is presented to Col. Rubini's son, DJ. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

State Rep. Kristin Marcell speaks to the gathering. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, State Sen. Frank Farry and State Rep. Kristin Marcell join family members next to the newly unveiled sign naming the span the Col. Daniel L. Rubini Memorial Bridge. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

In addition to his military career, Rubini practiced law and served as an administrative law judge. His dedication to public service extended to veterans’ advocacy and civic engagement in Bucks County, including support for the establishment of Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

“Larry’s legacy reminds us that service comes in many forms and that its impact can stretch far beyond borders and generations,” said State Senator Frank Farry, who partnered with Marcell in securing the bridge dedication. “We are grateful for all he gave and proud to help preserve his memory.”

General Thomas J. Matthew, who worked with Rubini on many projects over the years, spoke about America’s “secret weapon” - its families - and told Larry’s family that each of them “had earned a piece of the bridge” for standing by and supporting Larry in his work and for the sacrifices they made at home.

DJ Rubini speaks about his dad. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

The general said among Rubini’s crowning accomplishments was convincing then Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick that he should become chair of the Veterans Advisory Committee. “Mike accepted his proposal and that gave service members a seat at the table with the congressman. You can’t get better than that.”

Through that position, the general said Col. Rubini successfully fought waste, fraud and abuse in the Veterans Administration and worked to bring a national cemetery to Washington Crossing..

“This bridge represents the sum of personal values, accomplishments, and actions of Col. Larry Rubini. “It is yet another part of his incredible legacy.”

The ceremony brought together members of Col. Rubini’s family, military colleagues and public officials to reflect on his enduring contributions to national security, justice and his local community.

Among them was U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick whose brother, the late Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, worked closely with Rubini to bring the national cemetery to Bucks County.

"Today we place the name of Col. Daniel Larry Rubini on this bridge not simply to honor his lifetime of service, but to enshrine the extraordinary example that Larry set for his country, for his profession and for this community," said Fitzpatrick.

"Larry's life was one of common purpose, shaped by discipline, sustained by principle and devoted always to his family, to his country, and to something greater than himself. Col. Rubini's life traced the arc of a citizen who believed deeply in the promise of America and he worked relentlessly to secure that promise. He stood for strength, but for principle."

Fitzpatrick said among the Colonel's most lasting contributions "is something incredibly profound.

"He fought alongside by brother, Mike, to ensure that those who serve this nation will have a place of rest worthy of their amazing sacrifice. A place of dignity. A place of permanence. And a place of honor," he said. "Because of that work, generations of veterans now rest in these hallowed hills of Washington Crossing National Cemetery - sacred ground that tells the story not of finality, but of continuity from a Republic whose defenders will not be forgotten because their example endures.

"This bridge now bears Larry's name, but it also carries a charge for each and every one of us," he said. "It's a reminder, like Larry, that a life well lived is not measured in accolades, but in service to others."