In 1717, George Frederich Handel wrote a collection of orchestral movements for King George I for a concert to be played for the king and fellow aristocrats as they sailed down the river Thames. On the morning of March 1, 2023, you could almost hear that piece, called “Water Music,” playing softly off Hamburg Cove as Thomas Allen Ruberti of Lyme passed peacefully in his sleep. The melody carried Tom along his journey through life with its presence when he joined the love of his life and wife of 50 years, Ginny Ruberti, and as they sailed together on so many adventures on their Alden 52 of the same name.

Tom and Ginny were a love story for the ages. The two were married in Pound Ridge, New York, on a spring-like day in March 1973. Together they were architects and builders of an amazing life. From the sculpted elements in the architecture of their home, Watercliff, to the meticulous care they put into the building of Water Music, Tom and Ginny took pride in every intricate detail of their creations. His love of boating, the sea, and nautical traditions was something he shared with many. Tom, Ginny, and their friends gathered in various harbors around New England and beyond. They loved cruising to Maine, whether with the Essex Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club, or a smaller group of friends. Memories of relaxing after a day’s sail capped with a beautiful sunset and the camaraderie of good friends will live on in all who were fortunate enough to share such special times with Tom.

Tom was blessed with a beautiful family, including four children, 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His youngest, Adrienne Bransfield (Paul), is a teacher and mother from Westbrook. Tom lives on through her love of family, compassion for others, and her love of the water. Not only was Adrienne his baby, but she was also one of his best friends. His younger son, Thom McElroy (Linda), is a partner with Deloitte in Cornelius, North Carolina. Tom imparted his love of travel and his eye for business to his son and these gifts have given him many adventures in life. His older son, Thomas “TJ” Ruberti (Dana), carries on his legacy at the car dealership in Madison. TJ gained his spirit of entrepreneurship and love of Vermont from his dad. His oldest daughter, Karen Kinsley of Dunlap, Illinois, gifted Tom with four beautiful grandchildren and one great-grandson, whom he loved with all his heart. Tom devoted his life to his family and blessed them with opportunity and unconditional love. Tom’s legacy continues to thrive through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Emma, Evan, and Alexandra Bransfield; Megan, Madison, and Mason McElroy; Brandon (Kelsey), Carly, and Cameron Ruberti; Jacqueline Southwick (Jeremiah), Kate Pirolo (Joe), Christopher, and Connor Hornigold; and two great-grandchildren Reid Ruberti, Ashton Pirolo, and another baby due in May.

Tom lived with conviction and purpose. From a very young age, Tom was driven to succeed. Despite his humble beginnings in Havertown, Pennsylvania, he worked tirelessly and achieved great success. When he graduated from Haverford High School in 1963 and began his career in car sales with an Oldsmobile dealer in Wayne, Pennsylvania, it was apparent he was a natural at helping people — both his customers and colleagues — achieve their own dreams. At 22, he steadily maintained the position of top salesman and was number two in the Philadelphia zone dealerships. In 1966, he took six months time out for active duty with the U.S. Army Reserve. Upon his return, his career blossomed as he relocated to Burlington with his wife Ginny. Tom was a salesman at Wellens Dodge in Avon. His success was instantly recognized by the Hoffman family who hired him to run Scott Oldsmobile. Under his direction, they added multiple franchises, including Rolls Royce. Tom became the number one Rolls Royce salesperson on the East Coast. Herb Chambers noticed this and asked Tom to help him enter the car business in New London with Oldsmobile and Cadillac. His dream, however, was to own his own dealership. In June 1987, he opened Madison Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram. Tom brought his son, TJ, and grandson, Brandon, into the business and taught them both how to listen to and respect the needs of their customers. Tom led by example, always demanding honesty and fairness. He was a mentor not only to the two of them, but to all of those who worked for him throughout the years. Tom fell in love with the Madison and shoreline community. To serve the local community that showed its incredible support of him, he joined the Madison Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce, where he was a member for decades.

Thomas is survived by his sister Pat Truitt (Al) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and a brother-in-law Robert Chase (Lynn) of Irvine, California. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Donald Ruberti, Ronald Ruberti, Judy Thompson, and Jim Ruberti.

All are invited to meet and attend a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 28 in the Old Lyme Congregational Church, 4 Lyme Street, Old Lyme. All services are in the care of the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Avenue, East Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SARAH Tuxis Foundation or a local charity of your choice.