Sander H. Rubenson, founder and former president of wholesale flooring distributor the Reuben-Lloyd Co., died April 1 at his home in New Castle, Pa. He was 88.

Rubenson opened the Reuben-Lloyd Co. with his father in 1954. He sold the business to Pennsylvania Floor Covering in 1996, following his retirement. Along with being a successful businessman, Rubenson is remembered as instrumental in the creation of Temple Hadar Israel in New Castle, where he served on the synagogue's board of directors until his passing. He also served on the board of directors for the New Castle Country Club.

Rubenson was born on Feb. 26, 1922, in the South Side of New Castle to Rae Caplan and Reuben Rubenson. He served in the Army Medical Corps during WWII in Germany and France, and participated in the third wave landing on Normandy following D-Day. In 1946 he married Shirley Malkin of Youngstown, Ohio. She died in February 1995. They are survived by two daughters, Lynn Rubenson of San Diego and Janis Rubenson Skinner of Denver; grandchildren Stacy Skinner and David Rubenson-Benjamin; as well as beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and one grand-grand niece. Rubenson's brother, George, and son-in-law, Robert Skinner, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held at the Cunningham Funeral Home in New Castle. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Temple Hadar Israel or the American Diabetes Association in Rubenson's honor.