Paul Rubino, a lifelong resident of this area was called to his Heavenly home on January 19, 2019 from complications from surgery.
The third son of Joe and Emilie Rubino, he was born September 14, 1941 in Great Falls and spent his youth in Belt.
As a child, he was often seen at Belt Park with his good friend, Jerry Hoyer. The two of them made themselves at home with whatever group was having a picnic there. They spent their summer days fishing and swimming in Belt Creek. Paul attended Belt Public Schools.
As a four year letterman, Paul enjoyed sports and played for the Belt Huskies throughout high school where he was known as a scrappy little point guard. As a quarterback on the football team he set some records that stood for many years.
Being inspired by his coach and his high school sweetheart, Paul did well academically and graduated as salutatorian of the Class of 1959. This earned him a scholarship to Carroll College.
After one year there, he transferred to the College of Great Falls. Although his college career ended after one year, he was an honor graduate of the School of Hard Work.
Beginning as a laborer for Neilson Smith, he worked his way up to a truck driver for Montana Sand and Gravel, and then became a heavy equipment operator, becoming skilled on each piece of equipment. Operating the dozer was his favorite.
He enjoyed taking his young sons around town and showing them the smooth street or parking lot that their daddy had built. In 1976, he became a supervisor for MSG and in 1983 began with United Materials– a position he held until his retirement in 2006.
While in this capacity, he earned a reputation for being a tough, but fair boss. He was diligent in his job and expected the same of his crew. They respected and admired him for this. It was with great joy that he saw his son Ken replace him.
On June 9, 1962, Paul married his high school sweetheart, Janet Dawson. They had three sons, Ken in 1966, Scott in 1968 and Chad in 1971, When Ken was born, the nurse remarked that she had never seen a happier new dad.
As the boys grew, Paul became actively involved in their lives. He coached Little League, served as the Scout Troop chairman, and went hunting, fishing and camping with his family. Paul enjoyed going to his sons’ sporting events and cheering for the Bison.
After having suffered ill health for many years, his life was saved when he had an ileostomy in 1972. This changed his life style, but gave him renewed strength and health. The Great Falls Ostomy club had just been started and he was among their first members and was the first newsletter editor.
Paul was confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in 1967 and remained an active member there, serving on the Board of Trustees. Attending Bible Study was a real blessing to his spiritual life
Wednesday mornings were reserved for his coffee clan. He and his buddies tried to solve the problems of the world, while enjoying a good cup of coffee.
Not having summer vacations was one of the consequences of his job. He enjoyed escaping the cold with his family over Christmas vacation, when circumstances allowed. Together, they traveled to Disneyland and several times to Hawaii.
To read the complete obituary and share condolences, visit the O’Connor Funeral Home website.
