Alexander A Rubiano
January 05, 1934 - October 09, 2020
Obituary
MADISON - Alexander Anthony Rubiano, age 86, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on Jan. 5, 1934, in New York City, N.Y., the son of Anthony and Bessie (Melina) Rubiano.
Alex attended Lexington School for the Deaf & graduated H.S. at New York School for the Deaf, White Plains. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet University and Master’s degree from UW-Whitewater. He married Darlene Badenna on May 12, 1973, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison.
Alexander worked as a teacher at the West Virginia School for the Deaf and then at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD), retiring in 1995. Along with teaching, Alex had a passion for sports. After graduating from Gallaudet, he coached basketball and track for ten years and coached six years of football at the West Virginia School for the Deaf. He then moved to Wisconsin where he coached basketball as well as track and field at WSD until he retired. He led several of his teams to conference championships and was awarded coach of the year on separate occasions for both sports. His passion for basketball also extended to the Chicago Club of the Deaf where he was assistant basketball coach. In 1997, Alex was selected as head coach to the USA basketball team, participating in the World Games for the Deaf (Deaf Olympics) in Copenhagen, Denmark – his team proudly brought home the gold medal. He was elected to the USA Deaf Sports Federation Hall of Fame as a coach.
In his free time, Alex loved to travel with his wife, Darlene. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, golfing and playing cards with family and friends. Alex will fondly be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Alexander is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Darlene; two daughters, Talia (Peter) Allhands and Karen (Joe) Sturdevant; son, Troy (Michelle) Anich; five grandchildren, Max (Amanda) Zastrow, Paige (Anich) Beerkircher, Chase Allhands, Luc Anich and Delton Allhands; sisters-in-law, Maryann Riegert, Auri Rubiano, Marion Rubiano and Gloria Rubiano; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Ben, Alfred, Joe, Sam, and Fred (Nancy); sister, Tess (Tony) Angulo; daughter, Tara (Anich) Zastrow; brother-in-law, Charles Riegert; and parents-in-law, Ted and Mary Badenna.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for their care and the numerous friends and family for their love and support.
Due to COVID-19, a memorial service will be set at a later date and time.
Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
LV
Lou Volpintesta
Other •
I always had the most wonderful memories of Alex being a mentor and idol time... we talked about his coaching me and teaching me and I modeled myself after his wisdom and teachings . Please find peace in your eternal resting place My Friend. Our thoughts and deepest wishes for comfort to Alex’s wife. Family, coworkers, students, alumni and friends. Rest well Dear Alex.
JR
Jacqueline C. Reed
Other •
I never forget him when I met him at deaf Lutheran. Church and plus deaf club in Madison. He is very nice and friendly person. Also he wife Darlene is very sweet and nice person. I pray ur family and friends, too. We love u. God is with him at heaven home more peaceful.
KS
Kelly Storm
Other •
I've known Alex since I was a little girl. I I knew him at WSD and had him as my math teacher for several years. To this day I still called him Mr. Rubiano. I enjoyed getting to know him more as an adult when I moved back to Wisconsin from Arizona. Alex will never be forgotten!
JS
Jenny Stenner
Other •
Rubiano, as we called him, was one of my favorite teacher. My math skills nowadays are from his teaching. I have many good memories of him with us (students) at WSD. My condolences to his wife, children, in-laws, and friends. ❤️ Jenny
JH
Joanne Hunt
Other •
Alex is very sweet man. He was my math teacher in WSD and I will never forget him. He is very sweet husband to Darlene. Prayer for his family. God Bless You All. Amen
DB
Diane Barta
Other •
I will always remember Rubiano walking in the hallway of Pie Hall and he’d wander’ into my classroom while I was teaching. He watched me and sometimes asked me questions or joined in the discussions. I knew he was checking the quality of my ASL, communication and teaching style. (Honestly, at first, I was scared of him.) Although he was not my supervisor and it was not his job to evaluate me, I understood that he deeply cared about the deaf students and believed WSD deserves qualified teachers. I wanted to improve and I think he sensed that. Once, I told him that he made me nervous-Ha! Big mistake! He kept me on my toes and I always thanked him for taking time to come in. He was a great role model and teacher. I learned a lot from Rubiano and OMG, he had the best giggly laugh...may he Rest In Peace My sympathy to you, Darlene 🤟 Diane (McMahon) Barta