Alan J. Goldman

Bristol Alan J. Goldman, 80, of Boca Raton Florida, formerly of Bristol Rhode Island, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2014. He was the husband of Virginia "Ginger" (Leatherman) Goldman.Born in Pawtucket, he was a son of the late Samuel and Rose (Kearns) Goldman.Alan was a 1952 graduate of LaSalle Academy, where he was an All-State swimmer. Alan earned the rank of Eagle Scout, of which he was particularly proud. A 1956 graduate of Colgate University, he was an All-American swimmer and swam in the Pan-American Games. He graduated from Boston College School of Law in 1966 and was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar. After graduation Alan founded the law firm of Goldman & Biafore. During his long and distinguished career, Alan served as Executive Counsel to Governor Frank Licht, East Providence Democratic Party Chairman, Special Counsel to the General Assembly Joint Committee on Legislative Affairs, and most notably, Alan was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. Alan's law office was the first Legal Counsel to the Coastal Resources Management Council upon its establishment in 1971. Alan was also a well-respected lobbyist for several national and international firms. He continued practicing law for the past twelve years with Goldman Law Offices.He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force and the Rhode Island Air National Guard, earning the rank of Lt. Col. He deployed overseas during the Berlin Wall Crisis.In addition to his wife Ginger, he leaves a daughter, the Honorable Jeanne L. Shepard and her husband Amos; a son, Brian A. Goldman, Esq. and his wife Anna; a stepdaughter, Kathy Shaw and her husband Bruce; a sister, Joan M. Caley; two grandchildren, Andrew and Timothy Shepard; and two step grandchildren, Samantha and Sera Shaw. He was formerly married to Pauline (Downey) Goldman.Visiting hours will be held Monday, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm, in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence, to which relatives and friends are invited. The funeral will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in his memory will be appreciated.