Jay Neil Goldberg

Jay Neil Goldberg passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 17th, 2021 due to complications related to treatment for a rare T-Cell Lymphoma, with his beloved wife by his side. He was born on March 25th, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York to Lillian Sudnowsky and Norman Zeitzoff. Norman died when Jay was only 18 months old and he was adopted by Arthur Goldberg whom Lillian married when Jay was 5 years old. He was a graduate of Bronx High School of Science, and New York University.

Jay always was an avid sportsman. He played high school baseball and basketball and was even on the bowling team. In college he played on an intramural basketball team at NYU. In his thirties he discovered golf and the rest, as they say, is history. He had a lifelong love of the game and the friendships it created. In golf and in business he could be a tough competitor but always made his opponents feel great about the competition.

In the 1960’s he developed a keen interest in technology and was a very early participant in a nascent data processing industry. He was a true pioneer, and his story is in the permanent collection of the Computer History Museum in California. He led the industry group ADAPSO that pushed for more openness in computing once dominated by the large main frame players like IBM and that helped pave the way for the technology industry we know today. He built and sold three different companies in the field before starting, along with two partners, Hudson Ventures. He continued to help small technology companies grow through venture investment. His greatest joy was to be with young, smart, tech startup CEOs. It kept his mind sharp and youthful.

In addition to his business career, he found time to engage in the support of both The Albert Einstein College of Medicine and The NYU School of Arts and Sciences where he served as a board member and trustee.

Jay had an infectious smile, great sense of humor, gentle countenance and love of life. He had an easygoing way in dealing with all around him and gathered so many friends from all walks of life. He had an indomitable spirit that helped him push through some major life challenges and health issues.

He is survived by his wife Mary; daughters Susanne Currivan, Melissa Haddad, Laura Ortiz (Angel), Julie Goldberg Mangini (Justin); grandchildren Jessica, Nichola and Matthew Haddad, Liana Currivan, Drew and Jordan Ortiz; and his sister Karen Ostroff.

There is metered street parking near the funeral home. Champion/Carousel Parking Garage 201 W. 75 Street is the nearest parking garage. (212) 874-0581. Parking fees are not covered by Riverside Memorial Chapel.