Sandra K. "Sandy" Rubino

Sandra K. “Sandy” Rubino, 80, of Dover, Ohio, passed away on October 7, 2025.

Born November 3, 1944, in Dover to the late Vincent and Betty (Aeschlimann) Contini. 

Sandy radiated love, compassion, joy, and a willingness to always help those in need. From her earliest days, she made tremendous impacts on the areas of her life that mattered most - family, faith, community, business. As the first face you would see when you walked into Michael’s Hair Co., Sandy and her husband, Michael, ran a thriving business for over 35 years. Early in her career, she was active in the Business Women’s Club and the Child Conservation League. A devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover, she was deeply committed to service. She was part of the Christian Mother’s Club, taught music to children, was a founding member of the Folk Group choir, and, most recently, took great joy volunteering to feed families in the Soup Kitchen. Sandy was also a longtime member of the YMCA, where she often looked forward to conquering the Shred Class with her faithful group of friends. Sandy’s greatest joy was her family, particularly her five grandchildren. Love simply poured out of her. “Nana” shared her special songs, beautifully timed words of encouragement, unconditional love, and, of course, spectacular cooking and baking. She made everyone around her a better person.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Michael Rubino, whom she married on June 25, 1966; sons Thomas (April) Rubino of Columbus and Stephen (Carrie) Rubino of Massachusetts; sister Judith Stingel of Dover; grandchildren Michael, Zoe, Lucy, Dominic, and Anthony; and her best friend Cathy Bambeck. 

Cremation is entrusted to Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory in Dover. A funeral Mass will be held Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, officiated by Fr. Jimmy Hatfield, followed by a luncheon at the Family Life Center. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, contributions honoring Sandy may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater East Ohio Area, Chapter 408, at 9th St. SW Suite 3400, Canton, Ohio 44707 or Tuscarawas Central Catholic Elementary School at 600 North Tuscarawas Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622.