Robert J.H. Goldman – Proud of his family

Robert J.H. Goldman (Bob) was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
in July 1916, and immigrated to the U.S. with his family when he
was 16. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School in New York and
enrolled in NYU School of Engineering, earning a certificate in
mechanical engineering. He also took engineering courses at
Manhattan College and Pratt Institute. His first engineering job
was with Gibbs and Cox Naval Architects, whose &#8220pride and
joy” was the ocean liner SS United States, dubbed &#8220the
greyhound of the seas” for its speed in crossing the Atlantic. Bob
also worked on the design and construction of destroyers, escorts
and shipping vessels during World War II.
He then worked at Combustion Engineering, designers of large
steam generators. Later, he worked for Voorhees, Walker, Foley and
Smith Engineers and Architects, designers of telephone exchanges
for AT&T. Syska and Hennessy was next, to assist in completion
of plans and specifications for the United Nations headquarters in
New York. When engineering jobs were scarce, Bob went to work for
the Department of Hospitals and the Board of Education, doing
general drafting. In 1956, Bob got a job with the Construction
Department of the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C.
designing, building and renovating veterans hospitals for 28 years,
until his retirement.
Bob was active in the IOOF (Odd Fellows) for many years, in New
York, the Washington, D.C. area, and Sonoma County. He was also a
Mason. He spent many years in community service, volunteering time
for organizations that include the American Red Cross, Washington
Ear, Jewish community foundations and synagogues. He also was a
dedicated blood donor, with a lifetime total of 30 gallons.
A lifelong swimmer, Bob enjoyed being on, in and near the water
until nearly the end of his long life. An inveterate crossword
puzzler, he also enjoyed the challenge of word crafting and
brainteasers.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Harriette, and two
daughters, Laura (John) of Occidental, and Karen (Paul) of
Annapolis, MD, and two grandsons, Alex and Corey Lyon. He was
extremely proud of his family.
Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be made to Memorial Hospice
or Congregation Shomrei Torah, Elisha’s Pantry.
Friends were invited to join the family at Services on
Wednesday, July 18, 2007 at 1 p.m. at the chapel of Santa Rosa
Memorial Park & Mortuary, 1900 Franklin Ave., Santa Rosa, CA
95404. Minyan service was at the Lodge at Paulin Creek, 2375 Range
Ave., Santa Rosa, at 7:30 p.m.