Spencer Goldstein

Spencer was known to many around his adopted hometown of Sudbury, Massachusetts, however if you asked him he would often refer to himself as just a simple farm boy from Silver Spring, MD.

Hobbies in his youth evolved into lifelong passions; among them were fixing automobiles, a devotion to animals, a love for the outdoors, particularly the Boy Scouts of America, which lead to the high achievement of Eagle Scout, an honor he has always held in the highest esteem.

He became involved in the Civil Air Patrol as a young man which ignited his love for flying and led him to enlist in the Air Force, where he served in the Korean War. After his service he went on to pursue various endeavors such as writer, teacher, Emergency Medical Technician, Electrical Engineer, and many more. Spencer was a lover of the written word and devoured books throughout his life and even wrote one or two himself. His education was of the utmost importance to him, receiving Masters Degrees at both Goddard College and Framingham State. He was known by many as “DOC SRG”, and N1JWB within the HAM radio network. He worked for a number of corporations including a lengthy tenure at Raytheon and was a longstanding active member of the MetroWest community.

For many years, Spencer was an active member of Temple Emanuel in Marlborough, and for the last 20 years has been a member of Congregation Beth El in Sudbury. He was also known to many as a certified mechanic during his time working with his friend Algy Alexander at Alexander Automotives in Sudbury. Spencer proudly served on a variety of town committees including the local Memorial Day Committee and was very active in local politics. Every July 4th you would find him running the bike decorating contest for the parade in Sudbury, decorating the American Legion Float and marching in the parade. He was the Adjutant and a past Commander of Sudbury American Legion post 191, as well as a life member of the VFW, JWV and DAV. For more than fifteen years he served not only as a volunteer, but also as an instructor for the Red Cross, participating in the Boston Marathon. He was also a member of the Grange, King Solomon’s Lodge and the Eagle Scout Assn. Yes, Spencer was all about service, and took great pride in serving his community and country.

Yet Spencer’s greatest accomplishment did not come from a book, a class, or an award. It was and will continue to be the love that he shared with his family, especially his five daughters and four grandchildren. He enjoyed taking them on many road trips, flea-marketing, yard sale hunting, and teaching them his favorite old time Dixieland tunes. These are memories that will be cherished forever. He delighted in his role as Zaide, and shared his love for hand carved toys, which he often gave to his grandchildren as gifts. His passion for music, specifically the violin, played a significant role in his life. He wanted to ensure that his love of this instrument lived on in the legacy of his grandchildren by entrusting them with their own violins so they might enrich their own lives by continuing a musical education.

During his last few weeks of life Spencer was able to reconnect with numerous friends, family and be surrounded in love and music. When his children asked him about his life he shared that the years he spent with his wife, Elaine, were among his happiest. The two them both shared of love for travel, religion, family and cherished the moments of their lives they were able to spend together. Their 18th wedding anniversary will be on August 31st.

Spencer is survived by his devoted wife Elaine Barnartt-Goldstein who resides in Sudbury.

He was predeceased by his beloved son David Charles of Marlborough, MA, his mother Norma Gelbtuch Goldstein of Silver Spring, MD and his father Louis Goldstein of Miami, FL.

His other surviving family members include his aunt Lillian Postow of Silver Spring, MD and siblings Carol Toba of Linden, VA, Phillip Goldstein and his wife Terree of Camp Hill, PA and Diane Goldstein of St. Simons Island, GA.

Spencer is survived by five adoring daughters: Lara Schneider of Phoenix, AZ, Nikki Viles, partner John Mort and daughter Theodora Viles of Poughkeepsie, NY, Amy Goldstein of Sudbury, Ma, Beth Goldstein of Sudbury, Ma, and Rebecca Daugherty & her children Riley, Aidan and Charlotte of Marlborough, Ma. Additionally, his former wife and mother to his children, Eloise A. Goldstein of Grafton, Ma.

And many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Lastly his most trusted companion, his dog, Chase

Services will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, September 1st at Temple Beth El, 105 Hudson Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to one of the organizations Spencer so proudly worked with over the years: The American Red Cross or The American Legion, Post 191, of Sudbury

If you wish to know more about Spencers life ,in some of his own words, please refer to the article:http://sudbury.wickedlocal.com/article/20141009/NEWS/141006733