Robert “Bob” Goldstein passed away on Oct. 18 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, at the age of 98.
He was born on Nov. 11, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Max and Lena Goldstein. Bob was the third of five brothers. He spent his childhood in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he made many lifelong friends.
When World War II began, Bob was determined to serve his country. At just 16, he tried to enlist, but his parents refused to sign the paperwork because his older brother Jack, was already serving in the Army Air Force. Undeterred, Bob enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and served as a radar and sonar operator on the USS Luke 577, a destroyer escort in the Atlantic Ocean.
Following the war, he met the love of his life, Beatrice Ollman, at a V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) block party in Philadelphia. They were married in 1947 and went on to celebrate 75 years of marriage. Bob had an adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit. He piloted his own plane in his early years. His first business was manufacturing and selling ladies and children’s clothing.
Over the years his business interests evolved. He launched a furniture company and then acquired Palley’s Jewelers in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Years later, he founded Fast Fix jewelry repair, a pioneer jewelry repair franchise that grew to 185 locations across the United States and Canada. He retired for a short while, only to start a new business of importing home goods from Vietnam. He made numerous trips there and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Bob lived a long remarkable life, filled with adventure, hard work and love for his family. He enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. He also loved deep sea fishing and boating, taking numerous fishing trips to the Bahamas, Hawaii, Florida Keys, Costa Rica, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago. He will be remembered for his humor, sharp mind and boundless energy.
Bob was deeply appreciative of The Greatest Generation Foundation who arranged for him to take two trips to Normandy and an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. These journeys meant the world to him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice Goldstein, in 2023; and his four brothers, Abe, Jack, Billy and Melvin. He is survived by his three children, Leslie Robboy of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Glenn (Joyce) Goldstein of Overland Park, Kansas, and Mark (Barbara) Goldstein of Port St. Lucie, Florida; and four grandchildren, Kyle, Rachel (Jakob), Collin and Jason.
Memorial services were held on Oct. 28 at South Florida National Cemetery at Lake Worth, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Greatest Generation Foundation in Denver, Colorado, or to a charity of your choice.