Lewis C. Rubenstein

 
Lewis Charles Rubenstein died on Thursday, March 18, 2021. Born on August 2, 1930, in Albany, NY to the late Sophie Gertskin Rubenstein, and the Honorable Sol Rubenstein. Lew graduated from Albany High School in 1948 then attended Cornell University, graduating in 1956 after completing a tour with the Air Force during the Korean War. Lew received a masters in Early American Decorative Arts from the Henry Francis DuPont Museum, Winterthur Program at the University of Delaware.  He was the original curator of the John Jay Homestead, where he was a preservation architect, before the term was coined. He was the historian of the Hudson River Valley Commission, and his research led to the preservation of the lighthouses along the Hudson River culminating in a book. He returned to Albany and eventually became the speech writer for the commissioner of Parks and Recreation until retirement in 1990. Lew played the French horn with various bands and orchestras; spent many years restoring his 18th century Dutch farmhouse, enjoyed gardening, cooking, and camping.  He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gretchen (Pat) Aronowitz Rubenstein, children Carl A. (Deborah) Rubenstein, Louisa R. (Carlos) Lopez, grandchildren Rachel (Alex) Hemmerstein, Michael G. Lopez, Sarah A. Lopez, brother David P. Rubenstein and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister, Barbara R. Lieberfeld.   

There will be a private graveside funeral. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Albany Symphony Orchestra, or the Rotary Club of Albany 

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