Stephen Edward Rubin

Stephen Edward Rubin, 63, of Needham, MA passed away on Friday, August 28 due to complications from ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Son of the late Lewis and Inna Rubin, he was valedictorian of his graduating class at Norton, MA High School. He graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) with a degree in Computer Science. He completed the Harvard Business School Owners and Presidents Executive Education Program. After working for the Foxboro Company in Foxboro, MA, EMC Controls in Cockeysville, MD, and Copeland and Roland in Columbus, Ohio he started his own company, Intellution, in the basement of his house in Needham in 1981. The business designed process control software and eventually had offices worldwide. Its software transformed the process control industry by using desktop computers to monitor and control manufacturing instead of mainframe computers. Intellution was bought by Emerson Electric and is now owned by General Electric.

Mr. Rubin was actively involved with WPI over his entire life, ending his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Trustees the year he was diagnosed with ALS. He was also deeply devoted to Temple Beth Shalom, Needham where he served on the Board, ushered, and participated in Brotherhood activities.

Mr. Rubin is survived by his wife, Tracy, nee Garrett, and his three children: Gregory and his wife Jenny of Westport, CT, Matthew and his wife Stephanie of West Roxbury, and Jessica of Chicago, and his sister, Ellen Rubin. He is also survived by two grandchildren who will miss their Poppop. His goats will also miss him tremendously.

Services are being held at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham, MA on Monday at 10 AM.   Immediately following the service burial will be at Agudas Achim Cemetery, Attleboro, MA. Shiva will be at the family home 42 Winding River Road, Needham on Monday from 2:30-7:30, Tuesday 4-8, and Wednesday from 5-7.

Donations in Steve’s memory may be made to the WPI Global Impact Fellows Scholarship (memo line) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Rd., Worcester, MA, 01609 or Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham, MA, 02494.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the many hands and souls who held us up as we traveled this difficult journey. Each of you contributed your unique skills and gifts that enabled us to care for Steve throughout his illness. We will be forever grateful.