William S. Rubin, president and founder of Rubin Response Services Inc., died Wednesday of a heart attack at his home in Long Grove, IL. He was 65.
Rubin had spent the day at work and had suffered a massive heart attack in the evening, the company said.
Arlene Rubin, his wife, company co-founder and executive vice president, told the staff on Thursday morning that the firm would go on with help from its senior members, a company spokesperson said.
Two of Rubin’s daughters also work at the firm, Judy Rubin, as a vice president, and Linda Rubin, as an advertising director.
Rubin Response Services, a list management and brokerage firm based in Schaumburg, IL, has been in business since 1974, started at the Rubin’s kitchen table. The company, which also offers consulting, now employs more than 75 people.
Employees at the firm, shocked by the news, spoke highly of Rubin’s successes as a leader and a friend.
“Beyond his accomplishments in the industry, Bill built wonderful friendships with customers, clients, peers and employees,” said Ken Kretschmar, a senior vice president of the firm, in a statement. “His daily visits with employees put a smile on everyone’s faces. We will miss him tremendously.
Ralph Palmer, a senior vice president added, “In the 24 years that I have worked with Bill, he has been a positive influence in my businesses and personal life. He was my friend and he will be missed by all of us at Rubin Response.”
Many in the industry were saddened by the news.
“We worked in the same marketplace and he certainly ran a good shop and was always a tough but fair competitor,” said Roy Schwedelson, CEO of Worldata/WebConnect. “He’ll be missed.”
In addition to his wife of 44 years Arlene, and his daughters Judy and Linda, Rubin is survived by one other daughter, Lori DeKalo, and two grandchildren.
The offices will be closed on Friday. Funeral services will be held Friday at noon at the Weinstein’s Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmett, IL. Visitation will be at the Rubin home in Long Grove through Sept. 26.
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