Deceased March 11, 2023
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IN MEMORY
Harry Rubicam’s obituary got it right: “His quietly irreverent sense of humor and gift for storytelling were enjoyed by everyone who knew him. He had a way of making others feel valued and appreciated, maintaining friendships from every era of his life.”
Harry died peacefully in Scottsdale, Ariz., on March 11, 2023, at age 91.
His survivors include his wife of nearly 70 years, the former Cindy Pendelton (Mount Holyoke ’53). They had both grown up in Pelham, N.Y.; dated some in high school; and, by the end of their college sophomore years, decided it was true love and were together from then on. They were married a few days after both had graduated.
After service in the Army, Harry began a 32-year career with Time Inc., including positions as promotions director for Sports Illustrated and marketing director for SI Enterprises. Next, he and Cindy started an antiques business, doing shows for 12 years before deciding it was too much work for too little return. They moved to Sharon, Conn., where Harry served as president of the historical society, the library and the country club, as well as a member of the board of education and other town committees. He was a trustee of Dickinson College.
Harry and Cindy raised three children, Lynn, Peter and Wendy, in a 19th-century home in Old Greenwich, Conn. All three survive him, along with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A love of sports was a constant in Harry’s life, and he passed that love to the children, cheering them at Little League baseball and hockey games, figure skating and horseback riding competitions, and swimming and diving meets. He sailed with Cindy and captained the family boats. After moving to Scottsdale, he continued to play tennis and golf into his late 80s.
George Gates ’53