Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Submitted by the family

Leonard Goldman, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, at AdventHealth Orlando Hospital after surgery and a heroic fight to keep spending more days with his best friend and love of his life, Marilyn D Goldman. Marilyn and Leonard were married for 58 years. While he had some health challenges during his later years, he was strong and determined to live life to the fullest. Leonard always said his best accomplishments were his family. Even through many years of hard work as a corporate attorney, he was able to attend many family activities.

Leonard and his sister, Wilma Goldman, were born in Philadelphia to parents Gertrude and Joseph Goldman. His youth was full of challenges that Leonard tirelessly worked to overcome, by being an excellent student who was constantly learning and broadening his knowledge. Over the years he developed a passion for history, reading, travelling Europe, Israel, and history American battle sites. With his renaissance interest, he developed a love for writing poetry, painting, acting, and cooking for his family and friends. Moreover, he had a die-hard passion for the Phillies and Eagles.

Leonard had a witty sense of humor that was molded from the challenging times of growing up in west Philly and raised by parents of the post-depression era. He had a zest for life, cherished his possessions and made sure not to lose them. His West Philly High education led him to Temple University, then to Temple Law School, where he was one of the top students on the law review while working in the law library. From his time at Temple to moving up the corporate ladder as a fierce negotiator, he was razor-focused on doing the best he could do and provide for his family.

Leonard formed bonds with his aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition, he made strong connections with his high school friends, TEP fraternity brothers, work associates, CRJ Brotherhood members, and Victoria Gardens neighbors. Leonard also had a strong Jewish faith that he was able to express at Congregation of Reform Judaism. He was grateful to have found a place of belonging and connection in his later years. He was very blessed to have shared the past few years with many caring souls who had enjoyed his company while playing cards, eating breakfast, playing golf, or just going to Starbucks together.

He is survived by his adoring wife, three children — Jeffrey, Michael and David Goldman; his daughters-in-law — Ellen, Robyn and Lisa Goldman. Leonard was also blessed to spend many years with 7 grandchildren —Josh, Alexandra, Jordan, Zachary, Andrew, Jeremy and Noah.

In memory of Leonard Goldman the family requests contributions to the CRJ Goldman GORFTY Education Fund or National Kidney Foundation.

A private funeral service was held with burial at Congregation of Reform Judaism Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando FL 32810, 407-599-1180, http://www.bethshalommemorialchapel.com.