Herbert M. Rubel

Herbert M. Rubel, beloved husband of 51 years to Connie Jo Rubel, and devoted father of Steven J. Rubel died in his sleep at home, in Princeton, on August 18, 2016. His passing was unexpected because he exuded his usual brand of vitality until the end.

Born in New York City but raised in Lakewood, N.J., he spent his summers working as a lifeguard and was responsible for saving at least two lives. He went on to major in economics and graduated with a degree from Rutgers University in 1963. Economics drove him — a passion that led him to an equal love for mathematics. And while he loved to learn, he truly thrived at teaching others. Herbert was the consummate teacher (in all aspects) and some even called him “the professor.” He often tutored students free of charge and led them through the hazards and pitfalls of calculus.

Fresh out of college, Herbert began a 25-year career for IBM which started in economics but quickly led to the faster pace division of sales. He went on to break records as a top salesman for the company. In 1990 at the age of 50, Herbert retired and devoted his new-found free time to coach soccer for his son and other kids in Princeton. His time and investment in the team, the Flash, was rewarded with many championships, tournament play-offs, trophies, and priceless memories.

He was a regular around town and could often be found at the library or Dunkin Donuts drinking a tall cup of coffee, deep in debate with someone concerning current political affairs. His deeply held convictions led him to write an editorial which was recently published in the April 24th edition of the Hoboken Reporter. In his leisure time he liked to unwind by playing golf, a sport he discovered during his years as a salesman at IBM. But he also loved to bike and swim. Herbert loved the outdoors, was tenacious, and endlessly optimistic. However, the quality that outshone all others was the boundless, unconditional love he showered on his son and wife. He was not a perfect man, nonetheless, one could not have wished for a more giving, loving, and devoted father. He will be deeply missed but will always be in our hearts.

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John Thomas DeBardeleben, Jr.

A funeral service will be held for John Thomas DeBardeleben, Jr. on Wednesday, August 31 at McIlwain Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1220 E. Blount Street, Pensacola, Fla., with interment following at Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens in Pensacola.

A long-time resident of Princeton, John was born at Fort Benning, Ga., the son of an Army Chaplain. He was educated at Vanderbilt University, where he studied psychology and chemistry, played football, and served as president of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity.

After graduation, he was recruited by New York Life Insurance Company as an agent in 1951. He rose quickly through the ranks, managing sales offices across the southeast and fulfilling various roles at the company’s regional and national headquarters.

By the time of his retirement in 1989, he was senior executive vice president at the home office in New York City and responsible for all group insurance — both life and health — in the United States and around the world. Over the years, he received many honors from New York Life, including nine consecutive “Grand Slams,” and the first “Founder’s Award” from the Health Insurance Association of America, an annual award created specifically for him.

At the time of his death, John had seven children by birth and marriage, 13 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. He is mourned by his beloved wife Florence Barbara; his children Jack and Chuck DeBardeleben and Eve Roebuck, Rick Kaiser, Joanne Kaiser, Carole Leitgeb, and Linda Kaiser — all with their respective spouses and children.

John was a committed Christian, a member and Ruling Elder in various congregations of the Presbyterian Church in America, and a donor to evangelical causes in the United States and around the world. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Ps. 116:15).

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Robert J. Jaros

Robert J. Jaros, 90, a resident of Stonebridge at Montgomery in Skillman, entered into eternal rest there surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, August 28, 2016.

Born in Albany, N.Y., he attended Christian Brothers Academy, Albany N.Y., served in the Army Air Force during World War II and graduated with a chemical engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y. He attended Stanford University’s executive management course and retired from FMC Corporation as director of manufacturing.

He married Helen Butler, also of Albany, and was a loving devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Helen and four children and their families: Marianne and Milo Meixell of Kingwood, Tex.; Arleen Coyle and Dave Zamara of Bernardsville, N.J.; Robert E. and Kristin Jaros of Boulder, Colo.; Susan and David Lydzinski of Belle Mead, N.J.; seven grandsons and five granddaughters who called him Pampa. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t or couldn’t do for his grandchildren. His loving generous spirit and unconditional love were the rock around which our family drew strength and inspiration.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 47 Skillman Road, Skillman, NJ 08558 on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 11 a.m. Interment will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005 or at donatenow.heart.org.

Condolences are welcome at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kimble Funeral Home, Princeton, New Jersey.