Martin Benjamin Rubenstien, a passionate athlete and sports fan, died at Southampton Hospital on Sunday, November 4. He was 86 years old and suffered from sudden metastasized bone cancer, for which he was diagnosed only nine days before his death.
Born in New York City on May 18, 1926, he was the son of Samuel and Jenny (Muirstein) Rubenstein. As a young boy he shined shoes to make money to go to the Polo Grounds to watch games.
Serving with the Seabees in World War II, Mr. Rubenstein was stationed in Okinawa where he was in charge of Japanese POWs, whom he taught to play baseball. After being discharged, he settled in Culver City, California, working in the film industry as a grip.
In 1956, he married the former Lona Flam.
Mr. Rubenstein, a longtime resident of East Hampton, established a pickup football team The East Hampton Star nicknamed The Rubenstein Team, which included several future all-county players. In addition he coached Little League baseball and Biddy League basketball.
“Sports was his life,” said the family. “He was the biggest Bonac fan.”
In addition to his wife, Lona Flam Rubenstein, Mr. Rubenstein is survived by his children, David of Laguna Beach, Calif.; Scott, of East Hampton; and Amy Ruhle, of Montauk. He is also survived by grandchildren Matt, Brian, Rebecca and David.