Richard Alan Goldman

Colonel Richard A. Goldman, M.D., United States Army (Ret.) died on 27 October 2023 surrounded by family after a brief illness. He was born in New York, NY on 1 August 1946, the eldest child of Rhoda Borowitz and Harold Goldman. Raised on Long Island, he was chosen to be a University Scholar and graduated from the University College of Arts and Science of New York University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Upstate Medical Center College of Medicine in Syracuse NY where he began his life-long, loving marriage to Barbara Gregory. He interned at Upstate Medical Center and completed a General Surgery Residency at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore.

After completion of his residency, Colonel Goldman entered active duty in the Army Medical Corps. He attended the AMEDD Basic Officer Course at Fort Sam Houston in 1976. His first assignment was at the 45th Field Hospital, Leghorn, Italy where he served as Staff Surgeon and Chief of Clinics. Inveterate travelers, Rich and Barbara spent every free minute exploring Europe by car with their two Italian-born bimbi - Jonathan and Rachel.

In 1979 Rich was assigned to Dewitt Army Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, VA as a Staff Surgeon. Although sad to leave Italy, Rich and Barbara were happy to be closer to their families when they welcomed their third child, Megan, to their family. Travel became centered around family activities with trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Chincoteague, Luray, and Washington DC and its many monuments and museums.

In 1984 Colonel Goldman was transferred to Patterson Army Community Hospital, Fort Monmouth, NJ. He held the position of Chief, Department of Surgery and Deputy Commander for Clinical Services prior to assuming command of the Fort Monmouth MEDDAC in 1990. During his tenure as Commander, he concurrently held the position of Director, Delaware Valley Health Services System. Once again, his love for travel and learning influenced the family's activities, making New York City and its many fun activities and cultural opportunities the family's playground.

Colonel Goldman was assigned to the Academy of Health Sciences AMEDD Center and School at Fort Sam Houston as the Chief, Department of Medical Science in 1994. He retired from the Army Medical Corps in 1998 after 22 years of service and settled in San Antonio ready to travel, explore and discover new horizons.

Colonel Goldman's Military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Ribbon.

Colonel Goldman was an exemplary officer admired and respected by his patients, peers and those he commanded. But above all else he was an exemplary husband and father, always putting his family first.

He instilled in his children his love of learning and discovery, his character, his integrity, and his sense of fairness. He shared his leadership skills as a member of the Monmouth County NewJersey Boy Scout Council Troop 145 Committee helping to organize camping and canoe trips. He was an incredible a role model for the boys of the troop.

A humble leader, few would suspect that Rich could name almost every painting in Florence, Italy's Uffizi Gallery; identify every symphony or concerto he heard on the radio, or calculate any math problem in his head in seconds.

After retiring, Rich became dedicated to the non-profit organization TEAMability founded by Barbara in 2003. TEAMability provides essential therapies to children and adults with disabilities. He served on the board when the organization was in its infancy stages and was a dedicated volunteer for 20 years, serving as silent auction chair, supporting human resources functions and undertaking any job that needed to be done. Beneath Rich's no-nonsense leadership was a wickedly droll sense of humor that delighted everyone who knew him. Rich was known for his compassion, kindness and generosity.

In retirement Rich took great pleasure in planning trips with Barbara. Long weekends with their children and grandchildren in Charlotte, Los Angeles and New Jersey were filled with loved activities - thoroughbred horseracing, Fleet Week, boat rides and beaches.

Colonel Goldman is survived by Barbara, his wife of 53 years; his son Jonathan (Jennifer); daughters Rachel and Megan; two grandchildren - Joseph and Johanna; sister Diane Russcol (Fred); brother Robert (Jeanne); brother Don (Martha); and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N Loop 1604 E from 5-7pm Monday, November 6, 2023.

A celebration of Rich's life will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary North at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 7 followed by burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Rich's honor to TEAMability, Inc. athttp://www.teamability.org./