Samuel Isaac Goldberg
May 25, 1929 - November 24, 2021
Samuel Isaac Goldberg, born on May 25th, 1929, in Oakland, California died on Wednesday, November 24th, 2021 in Burlingame, California at the age of 92. Instantly recognizable by his sparkling blue eyes and full white mustache, Sam was always dapper and cheerful. Growing up in Modesto, California, working in his father’s clothing store, The Hub, gave him the outgoing friendliness, humility, and customer service ethic that helped him succeed greatly in his business endeavors as well as instilled in him a lifelong love of haberdashery and the ability to accurately identify anyone’s clothing size at a glance.
Sam graduated from UC Berkeley and served in the Army Quartermaster Corps during the Korean War. Although he entered university with the idea of pursuing medicine, he changed his mind and went into finance. Over a long and distinguished career as a stockbroker and investment advisor at Paine Webber and UBS he was highly regarded, appreciated, and trusted by his colleagues and clients alike.
Always civic minded, Sam was a 59-year Freemason in Modesto Lodge #206, Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner, active in the Kiwanis Club of Greater San Mateo and a member of Peninsula Temple Sholom in Burlingame. A passionate domino player, he participated in both competitive and leisure games, sharing his enthusiasm with all who knew him. He learned to play the violin as a boy and enjoyed music throughout his life. A world traveler, Sam filled his home with mementos of his extensive travels in Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia and South America.
Married three times, Sam was divorced once and widowed twice leaving him with a large extended family whom he generously looked after and loved. He was a devoted and faithful caregiver to his second wife, Cynthia, and third wife, Brenda, both of whom predeceased him. He maintained fond memories and enduring love for them until the end of his life. His grandchildren knew him as “Grandpa Sam” and loved to play poker and dominos with him, accompanied by his famous milkshakes.
Among the many people who will miss him, Sam leaves behind his children Guy, David, Robert, Batya, Leslie and Kevin. His son Roddy predeceased him. He leaves his grandchildren Samantha, Jonathon, Milena, Maya, Hannah, Jennifer, Jessica, Devon and Schuyler as well as two great-granddaughters, Peyton and Riley. Tom and Patti were friends to the end; and he was particularly close with his best friend, caregiver, and nephew Mark.
Sam’s favorite saying was “the best is yet to come,” words he believed with all his heart and lived by. His optimism and happiness were infectious and his stoicism in the face of difficulties was inspiring to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Sam would not want us to dwell in our sadness at his passing but rather live by his motto, carrying his spirit forward in our own lives.
A burial service will be held Sunday, December 5th at 2:30pm at the Home of Peace Cemetery 1299 El Camino Real in Colma. In lieu of flowers donations are welcome in Sam’s name to: the California Masonic Foundation, 1111 California Street San Francisco, CA 94108 or Kiwanis Club of Greater San Mateo, 63 Bovet Road #425, San Mateo, CA 94402.