On the same day that the current owner of the Ike Saks building at the corner of 5th and Broad streets passed away, Julius Sidney Rubel, who owed the building until 1979, died in Longboat Key, Fla.
According to a published obituary, Rubel and his late wife Joyce Saks Rubel lived in Gadsden for many years and owned Ike Saks Clothing Company until their retirement in 1979.
Rubel was born in Aberdeen, Miss., and was a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Michigan Law School. He was a First Lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II. Rubel received a commendation from the Secretary of the Navy for expediting the building and installation of the Mulberry Harbors at Omaha Beach, which allowed support for the landing of the allied troops on D-Day.
Rubel is survived by his loving partner of 25 years, Frances Ross; a sister and three daughters, including Judith Rubel Atkins of Gadsden. His legacy includes seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two on the way.
There will be a private graveside ceremony in Bethesda, Maryland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following: CURE Childhood Cancer, 1117 Perimeter Center West, Ste. N402, Atlanta, GA 30338-5451; or Institute for Jewish Southern Life, P.O. Box 16528, Jackson, MS 39236-1528; or The University of Michigan Office of Development, 3003 S. State St., Ste. 9000, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1288.