A tale of love and loyalty

Stanley Shubin, 94, a World War II vet, shares his story

Posted

The story of Stanley Shubin, a World War II veteran who lived in East Meadow for four decades, is one of love and loyalty, and devotion to family. Shubin, who now lives in Florida, celebrated his 94th birthday on Aug. 25.

After serving in World War II from 1943 to 1946, Shubin accommodated his career as a successful real estate broker to be able to tend to his family, and particularly his wife, Rhoda, who suffered from multiple sclerosis for more than 10 years, and died of breast cancer in 1989 at age 63.

His East Meadow home on Vincent Drive, where he and Rhoda raised their four kids, Lisa, Randi, Hal and Philip, is now the home of Randi, who purchased it from him 20 years ago.

Shubin remarried in 1994, to Sue Ostrover, who was a childhood friend of Rhoda. The two live in Florida together, and 10 years ago, Shubin became a caretaker once again, when Sue was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Shubin is now legally blind, and requires a hearing aid, but still lives independently. “When he comes in the room, [Sue] lights up,” said Randi. “She immediately grabs his hand.”

In late August, just days before he was set to celebrate his 94th birthday, Shubin was back in the home he lived in for four decades, preparing for a family party arranged by his children that was also set to include cousins and grandchildren from seven different states.

When asked what memories come to his mind when reflecting on his life, and particularly his family, while sitting in the home he first bought in 1954, Shubin said, “It’s been very pleasant. Never expected to go this long.” He added, “I think of four children growing up. It worked out well.”

Serving in World War II

Born in the Bronx in 1920 to parents Jacob and Gussie Shubin, who immigrated to the U.S from Russia about 12 years before, the family, which also included Stanley’s sisters Edith and Roslyn, eventually settled in Jamaica, where Stanley attended Jamaica High School. He then went to Brooklyn College, and joined the army in 1943 when the U.S. entered World War II.

Page 1 / 4