Gilbert Y. RUBENSTEIN

Rubenstein, Gilbert Y, of Flint, MI died November 7, 2009. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, November 11, 2009 at the chapel of Machpelah Cemetery, Flint. Mr. Rubenstein was born February 27, 1913, in Chicago and was the son of Phillip and Ida Rubenstein and the brother of Morris. The family moved to Flint in 1915. Gilbert graduated from the University of Michigan in 1933 and from its law school in 1936. He practiced law in Flint until he entered the army during WWII where he served in the European theater for four years. After his return from the war, Gilbert married Florence Bailies in 1947. She preceded him in death in 1978. He married Anne Cohen Shifman in 1983. Gilbert was a past president of the Genesee County Bar Association for two years, and was instrumental in a three-year effort to bring a federal court to Flint among his notable accomplishments. He specialized in business, banking, and real estate law and his clients included Michigan National Bank, insurance companies, mortgage firms, and other local businesses. For nine years prior to his retirement in 2004 after 68 years of practice, he was known as its "dean" due to his tenure as the longest practicing attorney in the county. He was profiled on the front page of the Journal in December 2004 at the time of his retirement under the headline, "Esteemed 'dean' of local bar retires at 91". Rubenstein said in the article he hopes people will remember him as a fair-minded lawyer who tried to find common ground in a dispute. In addition to being very active in the Bar Association, Gilbert was engaged in numerous non-profit, charitable and religious organizations, for which he received numerous awards and recognitions. He was a member of both Congregation Beth Israel and Temple Beth El. He was known in the community for his years of service and his integrity. He could be seen swimming daily at the YMCA and working at his downtown Flint office until his death at the age of 96. Mr. Rubenstein is survived by his wife of 26 years, Anne and his children Phyllis Herzog (Ned Porges) of Seattle, Washington, Nancy (Jay) Berman of West Bloomfield, Michigan and Steven (Sally) Rubenstein of Los Angeles, California. He leaves his grandchildren Jonathan Herzog, Norah (Ben) Myerson, Jeremy Berman, and Daniel Berman. Additionally, he leaves David Shifman, Steven (Joan) Shifman, Richard Shifman, and Zachary Shifman. Shiva will be observed at the residence Monday through Wednesday.

Funeral Service

Monday, November 9, 2009 11:00 AM
Machpelah Cemetery
4615 Branch Rd. Flint 48506, United States