Mark Joel Goldman

Mark grew up in Marlborough and Newton and moved to Framingham in 1971. He was a natural born “salesman” working in various industries throughout his career and made a friend wherever he went. He was a big sports fan – rooting for the Celtics and the Patriots – loved a good hot dog, root beer, slice of blueberry pie and time with his family. He had an infectious smile, an easy laugh, and selfless disposition.

Mark leaves a tremendous legacy of volunteerism and community service in the Framingham community.

An active member of Temple Beth Shalom, Mark served in a number of capacities as a head usher at high holiday services, resident cook in the kitchen and steady volunteer for youth activities and fundraisers.

Mark made innumerous contributions to the Framingham United Soccer Club. He was a trustee, board member, referee, coach, director of the girls tournament and president of the club. He was an integral part of a team that committed 6 years of effort to secure land for a “Field of Dreams” soccer complex in Framingham. The Merchant Road Fields was rewarded in October of 2000. It was so important to Mark that kids had the opportunity to play on “good, quality, safe” fields. He so enjoyed watching his daughters play, ref and coach and more recently watch his grandchildren.

Mark was a recipient of the “Salute to Framingham” award in 2001 – an event to honor and recognize community members who have made an extraordinary commitment to the youth of Framingham. He was appointed to serve as a Parks & Recreation Commissioner in Framingham. He collaborated passionately on many projects including regenerating the Framingham High School softball fields, batting cages, refurnishing of King and Muster fields and helped to create Cushing Memorial Park a valuable recreation destination.

Currently, he was vice chair of the Framingham Council on Aging and had been on the council for six years. He was the President of the Friends of Callahan Senior Center since 2014 and led a number of initiatives to support older adults. He was instrumental in opening the “Heritage Gallery” featuring local artists and artisans, hosting a “Sports Fanatics” weekly meeting, securing the requisite funding for a new bingo machine and advocating for computers and technology literacy for seniors to stay connected during the pandemic. He was a talented fundraiser and fully committed to supporting senior citizens in his community.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn (Lapin) – they would have been married 50 years this October; daughter Risa Burgess and her husband Scott; daughter Laura Goldman-Pogson and her wife, Sarah; two grandchildren, Max and Brooke, whom he absolutely adored; sister Marsha (Goldman) Soloway and husband Ed; sister-in-law Janice Hirsch and husband Mark; extended family, friends and neighbors. Mark’s strong desire was to attend his grandson’s Bar Mitzvah this spring. Through his perseverance, determination and grit he delivered a beautiful Aliyah (prayer) at the service that uplifted all who bore witness.

The family would like to thank the 6ICU team at UMASS Memorial Healthcare in Worcester for his special care.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Friends of Callahan Senior Center, 535 Union Avenue, Framingham MA 01702.

Graveside service at Framingham-Natick Jewish Cemetery, 39 Fairview Avenue, Natick on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. To view the live streaming of the graveside service please use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtE9GNKdx_Y

The family will receive visitors today, Friday, September 17 at Risa and Scott's home from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.