Obituary of Ruth Dubinsky

Ruth Ann Dubinsky, 70, of Plymouth Meeting, Pa., died on February 1, 2025.   She was a loving wife, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and cherished friend and lived a fun, vibrant and energetic life. She leaves behind her dearest soulmate– her husband of 31 years, Barry Dubinsky.

Ruth was born in 1954 in Plainfield, NJ to Robert and Lorraine Dittler and most of her childhood years were spent in North Branch, NJ.  The youngest of four girls, she was the beloved sister of Barbara Pentlicki, Joan Levering and Roberta Daniels. She loved her role as “Aunt Ruth” to seven nieces and nephews. Ruth graduated from Raritan Valley Community College with an AS degree in Biology, Fairleigh Dickenson University with a BA degree in Humanities, and Saint Joseph’s University with an MA degree in Organizational Development.

She enjoyed a diverse career of more than 33 years in the Pharmaceutical Research & Development sector of Johnson & Johnson.  She worked in many aspects of product development, basic research, drug metabolism, drug development, and clinical trials. After retiring in 2005 she started her own consulting company serving product development clients. Ruth’s professional career was well suited to her overall personal approach to life, which was led by belief in rational and scientific decision-making. Her focus on objective and fact-based criteria, combined with her innate “big heart”, made her an excellent sounding board for clients, friends and family.

More than anything else, she truly came alive in her kitchen, expressing love through cooking and entertaining.  If you were lucky enough to be invited to one of her dinner parties, you’d be greeted with a gorgeous table, a multi course feast – and of course, very good wine!   She loved to prepare Middle Eastern cuisine, but was equally comfortable cooking Chinese, Mexican, African and Japanese. But mostly she loved to cook for Barry, and every morning as she put his breakfast plate down – she’d hear a quiet “wow” and break out into a smile. How lucky they were both “foodies” – he’d try anything, and she’d cook anything that sounded interesting. She leaves us with an insanely organized library of cookery that she has built over 50 years.  

Ruth often said that after fully retiring at age 60, that’s when life really began!  She & Barry loved to travel and explore. They shared extensive travel journals, and their home is filled with images from Greece, Istanbul, Hawaii, Croatia, Eleuthra, the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos, Nova Scotia and much of the US.

Immediately after retiring she began volunteering including serving as a Science Educator at the Franklin Institute, a Garden Ambassador at the Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill, and a horticulture assistant at the Philadelphia Flower Show. 

Ruth and Barry became more active in politics and social justice and joined the Philadelphia Ethical Society.  

With seemingly relentless energy, Ruth was undaunted by the size of a project.  As comfortable behind a wheel barrel full of stone as she was with a chainsaw, Ruth thrived in “do it herself” mode.  After deciding that it would be wonderful to have easier access to the Memorial Park behind their home, she hacked her way through the woods with chainsaw, loppers and mower.  By clearing poison ivy, brambles and downed trees, the path took shape. She and Barry added two wooden bridges, and created a lush, safe and beautiful woodland path.  

Ruth was admired, appreciated and well-loved. We will miss those sparkly blue eyes, her humor, and the energy and light she radiated.  She was a special woman, who lived a good, energetic and full life. Goodbye, dear friend.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to UniteForHer.org, supporting wellness programs for breast or ovarian cancers.