Angelo M. Rubino, age 86, of Middletown, passed away June 22, 2026. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, cherished brother and a man whose kindness, strength and steady presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Born April 4, 1940, in Bayonne, Angelo lived most of his life in the city he called home. In 2008, Angelo and his wife, Ceil, moved to Middletown. He was one of eight children born to the late Angelo and Antoinette Rubino, and he grew up surrounded by the bonds of a large family that helped shape the values he carried throughout his life. Those who knew him will remember a man who was friendly, hardworking and deeply rooted in family, faith and community.
Angelo served his country honorably in the United States Army, a chapter of his life that reflected the discipline and strength that would define him for years to come. After returning home, he began a lifelong career in retail sales, where he worked in management and earned the respect of coworkers and customers alike. He remained active and dedicated to his work until the age of 83; for the last 10 years of his career, he served as a driver for Advanced Auto Parts and AutoZone. His strong work ethic and commitment to staying busy were hallmarks of his life and he took pride in being dependable and useful to others.
Angelo was a man of great physical strength and even greater will. He was always active, always capable and always ready to lend a hand. He had a gift for fixing things and was known as someone who could repair just about anything. Whether helping family, friends or neighbors, he was generous with his time and talents. His willingness to help others, combined with his kind and friendly nature, made him someone people could always count on.
In his free time, Angelo enjoyed trips to the racetrack, especially Monmouth Park and Saratoga Springs. Angelo and Ceil began a family tradition of spending summer weeks in Ocean City 24 years ago. These outings brought him enjoyment and excitement, and they were among the simple pleasures he appreciated throughout his life. He also found satisfaction in staying busy and being useful and he approached life with a practical spirit and a strong sense of purpose.
Angelo was a Christian whose faith was an important part of his life. He lived with quiet strength, dignity and devotion to the people he loved. His marriage to Ceil spanned 63 years, a testament to enduring love, partnership and commitment. Together they built a family that was the center of his world.
He is survived by his wife, Ceil Rubino, and their three children, Vanessa Rubino-Pasquale and son-in-law Joseph Pasquale, Angelo Rubino and daughter-in-law Marilyn Rubino, and Jason Rubino. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Erica (Frank) Derise, Mariah Arroyo, Joshua Arroyo and Nina Rubino, as well as a great-grandson, Frankie Derise. He is also survived by his sisters, Annette Burns and Rose Annunziata. He was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph, Sam and Carmen and his sisters, Dolly Pisanello and Maryann Rubino.
Angelo M. Rubino will be remembered with love and admiration for the life he lived and the example he set. He was a kind, friendly, and handy man who met life with strength, humility, and a generous heart. His memory will remain a blessing to his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
The article originally appeared in the September 24 – 30, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
