Lawrence Goldberg

Lawrence Goldberg (1931-2026)

With laughter in his eyes and love in his heart, Lawrence “Larry” Goldberg, of Bethesda, Maryland, died peacefully July 8.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Larry was preceded in his death by his wife of 63 years, Lois (nee Kellar) Goldberg, his sister-in-law, Els Goldberg (Jerry Goldberg), and his brother-in-law Edward Kellar (Beth).

Larry was celebrated by all for his quick wit, his sparkling blue eyes, and his charming personality. Yet his superpowers were his laughter, common sense, street smarts, emotional intelligence, and making anyone he met feel special.

Born in Philadelphia in 1931, Larry was a first-generation American with his maternal roots from Russia and paternal from Romania. He was part of the Silent Generation, known for their strong work ethic and civic instincts, shaped by growing up during the Great Depression and World War II

Larry’s commitment to hard work and leadership started early.

During his first job at age 12 – as a paperboy for the Philadelphia Bulletin – he met his eventual wife, Lois, who eagerly awaited her morning paper from Larry. This courtship continued for the next 79 years, including 63 years of marital bliss until Lois’ death in 2021.

Larry was a natural-born leader and talented athlete. His was junior and senior high school class president every year and captain of the high school baseball team, playing pitcher and shortstop.

His talented athletic career, however, came to a screeching halt when Larry’s father had a physical injury, which required Larry to run operations for his father’s dry-cleaning business. At age 18, Larry almost unilaterally supported his family.

Larry was the first in his family to attend or complete any type of formal education. After graduating Temple University with a degree in business in 1949, he deferred admission to Temple University Law School to serve in the U.S. Navy for three years, where he was stationed in Norfolk, Va., in 1952. To pay for law school, Larry sold pots and pans. In 1955, Larry graduated from law school at the top of his class.

As a lawyer, he had incredible judgment, an unmatched work ethic and an uncanny ability to untangle complicated legal issues throughout his career of counseling a wide variety of clientele. He thrived in what is now an increasingly lost art – being a generalist lawyer who excelled in all areas of the law. He concluded his career by focusing on real estate investments. Perhaps his greatest legacy as a lawyer was his sterling reputation, given that his peers always knew that Larry Goldberg’s word was “as good as gold. “

Never one to rest on his laurels, Larry valued community service. He was commended in the early 1960s by then-Governor Schaefer of Pennsylvania for his work as president of Wolf Baron Lodge when he spearheaded new innovations, such as creating an ambulance hub and raising the funds to support that hub, as well as leading the fundraising for and overseeing the creation of, a new dining room at Brith Shalom House. He was elected to serve multiple terms on the Lower Merion School Board and was actively involved in the governance of his residences in Florida and Bethesda. His most valued community involvement, however, was his pro bono legal adaption work for families who could not afford their legal bills.

His greatest joy, however, was that of a father, grandfather and great-grandfather He is survived by his three children: Mitchell S. Goldberg (Helene), Aileen N. Kantor, and Alan P. Goldberg (Michelle).

He also has one surviving sibling – his brother, Jerry Goldberg, with whom he had a heated tennis rivalry, but more importantly, a very close and loving friendship

He was adored, admired, and cherished by his seven grandchildren – Julie, Jacqueline, Hank, Sam, Melissa, Josh and Jenna (along with their respective spouses and partners) who never had enough time with their “Pop.” In Nov. 2025, he welcomed his first great-grandchild Eloise Goldberg; he loved each of her pictures, smiles, and laughter.

Everyone loved Pop – he was always the most popular guest his grandchildren’s events – college graduation, high school athletic events, or a friend’s wedding. In 2016, at one popular college campus he was voted “frater of the week,” campuswide.

One of his greatest honors was to serve as the best man for a grandson’s wedding.

Until his death, Larry lived independently in Bethesda Md. He was known as the mayor of Fox Hill Condominiums where he swam, went to the gym, played bridge, attended all types of lectures, and made everybody in his path laugh.

He was known for his love of Philadelphia sports teams, once even printing out Eagles logos to taunt the Commanders-loving residents of Fox Hill. Larry adored music and singing, particularly songs that he made up on the spot, and writing original poems to commemorate friends and family.

Even in his final days, Larry rarely complained, yet spoke of how fortunate he was to have lived such a rich and long life . He was grateful and humbled to be so loved and admired, which he truly was.

With gratitude, the family thanks Monica and Lolli, whose love and support kept Pop thriving and laughing.

A private graveside service will be held at Haym Salomon Memorial Park in Frazer, Pa.

Shiva will be held Sunday July 12, from 4-8 pm, at The Harper, 112 S. 19th Street, Phila. Pa, 19103.

“Pop” will be sorely missed.

Contributions in Larry’s memory may be made to the Montgomery and Prince George’s Hospice (https://montgomeryhospice.org/donate-pg/pledge-challenge/) or to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (https://www.ushmm.org/?form=FUNLUSWPNZA).

Arrangements by Joseph Levine & Sons - www.levinefuneral.com