Rochester, Lionel D.
Lionel D. Rochester, age 76, passed away Saturday, February 18, 2017. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-821-0010
Isidro Rubi Jr. was surrounded by family when he passed away February 18, 2017. Isidro was born January 7, 1940 in Albuquerque, NM to Isidro and Dorothy (Lyons) Rubi.
He grew up in Pajarito, NM and as oldest of twelve children, spent his childhood helping his mother with siblings, school, and playing sports. He learned early the value of education, hard work, competition and had a great sense of humor. His Uncle George recognized his potential, and encouraged his parents to enroll him at St. Mary’s High School. He had a love for academics, athletics and graduated Valedictorian while lettering in baseball, football, basketball, and track. While majoring in Electrical Engineering at the University of New Mexico, he was an outstanding shortstop for the Lobos, and in 1962 led the team in batting average, runs, and RBIs, and the Lobos made their first appearance in NCAA Regionals. That same year, he married Janice Chaves and began their family. During his 26 year career at Mountain Bell (US West), he went on to obtain an M.A. in Speech Communication at UNM, and later while living in Colorado finished his Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Development from the Fielding Institute at Santa Barbara, CA. Isidro was an excellent motivator, a fierce competitor, and outstanding teacher. As a YAFL head coach for 14 seasons, his record was 97-10-4, along with six city championships. In 1986, he began a fulfilling career at University of Colorado at Boulder as Director of the Minority Engineering Program, and later appointed Assistant Dean. Under his leadership, the MEP received acclaim, as one of the finest Minority Engineering programs in the nation. He was a highly sought-after consultant, speaker, and facilitator, because of his experience and commitment to cultural diversity, quality, individual growth and organizational productivity. In 1996 he retired, and returned with Janice to Albuquerque to be near family, grandchildren, and rival his golf buddies. He became a board member on the NM Sports Hall of Fame, and renewed his love of all things Lobo. Several years ago he became a certified H&R Block Tax Specialist and helped numerous friends and family with taxes. He was the most loyal of Lobo baseball, and was warmly welcomed into the new era, and rarely missed a game. We are grateful towards golf buddies, Steve Sanchez and Jay Peters, who kept him on the course, and Angel and Frances Rivera, who brought communion when he was unable to attend mass. His family would like to thank Dr. Ian Rabinowitz and staff at UNM Cancer Center, Dr. John Jones and staff at UNM Medical Group, and his Amber Care Hospice Team for all your love and support.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Isidro and Dorothy Rubi; brothers, George and Floyd Rubi. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Janice; daughters, Laura (Mark) Harris, Joanna Rubi, sons; Mark Rubi, Devlin Rubi and Daniel Rubi, grandchildren; Jillian, Adam and Olivia Rubi; Elizabeth and Christine Harris. He is also survived by sisters; Marcella, Mary, Sandra and Susan Rubi, brothers; Blas, James (Debbie), Ernie (Margie), Michael (Jodie) and Gregory (Kris) Rubi, sisters-in-law; Cheryl and Anita Rubi, his favorite cousin Rita Sanchez & numerous nieces & nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family desires memorial gifts to the Lobo Baseball Renovation Fund for Isidro Rubi Memorial Stadium Chairs, UNM Foundation, Two Woodward Center, 700 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 or online www.unmfund.org/ fund/memorials-tributes/.
Please note Isidro Rubi Memorial. Rosary will be held Saturday, March 4, 10am, Mass at 11am with Reception to follow, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 12500 Carmel Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122. Internment to take place later.
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