Martin Rubin
Obituary

Martin Rubin passed away on May 29, 2025, at the Santa Monica Rehabilitation Center, after a battle with cancer. He was born in Philadelphia on January 23, 1947.

Marty was a community activist, deeply dedicated to the closure of the Santa Monica Airport (SMO) due to ongoing safety, noise, and pollution concerns. His passion extended to supporting the creation of a Great Park at the site, a vision he worked toward as SMO prepares for closure at the end of 2028.

Marty, along with his beloved wife Joan, was a tireless advocate for environmental activism. He was the founder and director of Concerned Residents Against Airport Pollution (CRAAP). Known for his keen wit and sense of humor, Marty took his work seriously, always striving to help elected officials and the public understand the importance of the airport closure and the positive future it could bring.

Beyond his activism, Marty was proud to be a great son, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his brother Jerry Rubin, also an activist. Marty was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joan, who passed from cancer just one month before him, and by his oldest brother Bob, who passed from cancer more than a decade ago.

Marty would want to be remembered as someone who was doing the right thing for the community, even in difficult times. His dedication lives on through the continued efforts to support the Santa Monica Great Park Coalition (greatparkcoalition.org).

To check on any plans for a future public memorial, please contact Jerry Rubin at 310-399-1000.

Rest in peace and love, Marty and Joan.