Obituary of Rubin John Pope

Rubin John Pope, born February 23, 1927 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the youngest child of James Hanover and Viver Louise Pope. On May 9, 2006, Mr. Pope lost his nearly two-year battle with Leukemia. Rubin grew up in the neighborhoods of South Philadelphia. Early in life he met two young boys that became life long friends, Antonio Martins and Ernest Evans. After graduation from Benjamin Franklin High School, Rubin enlisted in the Army and served his country during World War II in the European Conflict. During this time he developed his undying love for travel, understanding of people, their culture, their language and their music. When the war ended, Rubin joined the Merchant Marines and traveled around the world several times before retiring 20+ years later. On one of his visits home, he met the woman that would ultimately become the love of his life; and his partner for life, Carmen Louise Richards. They were married on October 1, 1955. Rubin was the life of a party; he believed that life was to be lived to the fullest. Now he has given full measure; and has passed on to his Heavenly reward where he will once again be with his parents, his brother James, his sisters Mary and Myra, his brother-in-law Omar; and his childhood friend, Ernest Evans. We, in this family are sadder now, having lost another part of the strong foundation on which we were built. Left to carry on with life, as Rubin would want us all to do, is his beloved wife Carmen, a brother Preston Pope, a sister Mahalie Omar, sister-in-law Norma Richards, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins; and longtime friends, Antonio Martins and George Rideout. Tributes & memories may be shared at www.mcgfuneral.com. ?The Lifetime Tribute Funeral Home.?