Ruben lived his entire life in Dartmouth and he attended Dartmouth schools. He was the valedictorian of Dartmouth H. S. class of 1940. He maintained close friendships with most of his classmates throughout his life and helped organize their 70th class reunion.
Ruben planned to pursue a career in engineering and he was accepted for an apprenticeship at General Electric in Lynn, MA. However, he soon realized that the pace of the city was not for him and he returned during the war to work in the family business, Harry Goldstein and Sons. He became a highly-respected cattle dealer throughout all of New England, Upstate NY and Eastern Canada. He and his brother, Stanley were real estate developers in Dartmouth. Ruben also owned and operated a complete garden center, Barnyard Gardens for many years.
He was an exemplary son, brother, husband, father, community member and businessman. A very gentle and kind man with a quick wit. He always stressed the importance of honesty and fairness. Ruben always said “no business transaction was ever successful unless both parties were satisfied.”
He had a keen interest in American history and he enjoyed reading the biographies of the presidents. He also was deeply interested in travel, architecture, horticulture and participating in community service.
Ruben served on the Dartmouth finance committee and was a chairman. He was a Dartmouth town meeting member and on the Dartmouth H. S. Scholarship Committee. Ruben was considered a “town historian,” and he helped produce programs for the Dartmouth Cable TV station. He was a member of the Consolidated Milk Producers Association and on the Board of Directors for the Dairymen’s Cooperative Association, Inc. Ruben was a member of Tifereth Israel Congregation and served as House Committee chairman and on the Membership Committee. Ruben was a member of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Bedford and a member of the New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home. He also volunteered at Coastline Elderly Services. Ruben helped organize the 350th Anniversary celebration of the town of Dartmouth. He also volunteered at the National Park Service in Historic New Bedford. He was honored in 2017 for his contributions to the community and country by DCTV, Friends of the Elderly and the Historical Arts Society with citations from the Dartmouth Select Board, Legislature and Gov. Charles Baker.
Ruben was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy (Gutter) Goldstein. He was also the brother of the late Stanley M. Goldstein. He is survived by his daughters, Linda (Wesley) Mandler, Susan (James) Cope, and Marcia Goldstein; sister, Eleanor (Larry) Manhan; grandchildren, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Cameron; and great-grandchildren, Emma, Wyatt and Haley.
Funeral services will be held Monday, April 16 at 1:00 PM at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 145 Brownell Ave, New Bedford with burial following at Plainville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Dartmouth H.S. Scholarship Fund or the Arbor Day Foundation at www.arborday.org. Shiva will be at his home on Mon. and Tues. from 6-8 PM.
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