**** FEBRUARY 2013: This web site offers its condolences to the Ruby family for the death of Ruby's son Jerry Oshinsky on February 8, 2013.




I received the following email in late September, 1999.

As Ruby's son-in-law, I guess it is time to fill you in on a few details regarding Ruby.

He was born January 3, 1917, and died October 9, 1987.  Incidentally, he died the day after the Jewish holidays ended, so this Monday we light the candle. He was the fifth of eight children, him being the youngest son with three younger sisters.  He grew up in Williamsburg, and moved to Brownsville after he married Sarah.  They lived at 95th and Kings Highway for many years, when in 1968, moved to East 85th St in Canarsie.  In 1970, they moved to E 89th and Flatlands, where they lived until he passed away.  He has two sons, Jerry and Alan, in addition to Dara, my wife.

Thanks,
Ken Deitz



I received this email from Ruby's nephew Jerry, in September, 2001

I am Ruby's nephew , Jerry, and just saw your website which was sent to me by my second cousin Steve Oshinsky. A few observations-Ruby's father, my grandfather, Heschel(Harry) did sell knishes outside of Tilden. I was there from 1957-60 and Meyer Levin before that. Since Heschel was not the warmest man in the world I realized years later that his way of making sure that I was okay was to hang outside of Tilden. I remember some family fables-Mom was Sarah's mom. Ruby would never lose an arm wrestle unless he wanted to do so. During the Second World War, Ruby was involved in "interrogating" German prisoners of war. It never occurred to me until years later what interrogation really meant. Ruby named his first son Jerry. I could never figure that out. His second son was named after my cousin Allan. Ruby used to leave family functions early with the excuse that he had to go make knishes. He and my father were very close and very tough. They only wanted the best for their children and to spare us from the apparent despair of their early childhood when they sold chewing gum in the Subway at age 5 etc. Sadly, I never really "knew" Ruby except as a caricature but that is probably true of all of our relationships with his generation.

Remember, Ruby was the strongest person I ever saw. My cousin Allan could do 20 one-armed pushupa and Ruby could take him in an arm wrestle without any effort. They were a tough family. I probably was the first college graduate and the first professional in the modern history of the family. I am going to forward your page to Mel Oshins in Palm Springs who believes that all Oshinsky's are somehow related and tries to collect all Oshinsky infomation. He will enjoy this immensely. PS Ruby has three surviving siblings-my Uncle Bill and my Aunts Betty and Evelyn. Betty is in Brooklyn and I have lost track of the others. Best wishes.

Back to Main Ruby Page

Home Page