Arlene Goldberg

Arlene Madeline Goldberg (nee Mesnick) beloved wife, in blessed memory of the late David Marvin Goldberg, passed away, March 17 at the age of 86. Arlene was born in Cleveland to parents, Frieda (Bernstein) Mesnick and Icky Mesnick.

Arlene is survived by loves of her life, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family describes her as smart, loving, strong work ethic, generous, kind, loveable, determined, and the rock of her family. Some may have called her “Superwoman.”

Arlene is survived by her loving and adoring four daughters, who were always there for her 24/7.

Sherri Katz (Jonathan, predeceased), Stacey Silver (Andrew), Lori Skillicorn (Frank), Ivy Rogers (Mark Mcintosh); her loving and adoring 8 granddaughters, Samara Katz (Adam Kordower), Risa Katz, Lindsay Silver Stahm (Matt), Jessica Silver Younker (Nick), Danielle Silver, Heather Skillicorn (Jeremy Smith), Rachel Skillicorn Flynn (Jason) and Hayley Rogers (Matt Marynik); her loving wonderful great-grandchildren, Lily Flynn, Charles Flynn and Eli Jordan Stahm; her loving brothers, Stan Mesnick (Jackie, predeceased) and Richard Mesnick (Ted Garfield, predeceased).

As newly married, Arlene spent over 10 years in B'nai B'rith Women (Jewish Women International) as local Chapter President and City Council President, plus 8 States District Board Member. Arlene loved to sing and she loved musicals. It was here, Arlene wrote and directed several award-winning musical parodies and sometimes took the lead. Then by chance, Arlene put together a B'nai B'rith Women fundraising trip and found her passion for organizing and booking travel.

Arlene spent over 50 years in the travel industry, with 45 plus years as owner of Action Travel Center in Solon. Arlene said, "she always booked trips for clients, as if the trip was her very own” and "she was able to make sure every component of the trip would be as close to perfect as possible for her clients.”

Arlene escorted numerous groups by air, land and sea and she traveled the world including 130 cruises. She shared firsthand with her many clients what they needed to know to enjoy their vacations.

In addition to her role as a travel consultant, she founded four innovative travel-related companies. “Sea & Sail” was the first in Ohio to host “Home Cruise Parties.” Other companies she founded included kiosks shaped like cruise ships, featured in two of the largest malls in Northern Ohio, and "Travel Accessories", shipping merchandise all over the world to other travel agencies. Her company had the highest sales of the "Seaband" product in the entire travel industry. From that spurned another company, "Travelers Choice", featuring custom designed nautical clothing. There was also a retail shop, in the travel agency, to display, and sell all merchandise. Lastly, Arlene created the "Travelers With-Out Partners" trips for single travelers.

Promoting Action Travel was fun for Arlene via the media. For 30 plus years, Arlene had become the "face" of Action Travel. For 10 years, in the 80's, Arlene hosted and produced the radio show, "Travel Talk" on both WERE and WHK. During that time, for 6 years, Arlene was a regular guest on WKYC's "AM Cleveland" and did one of her travel segments from China. Arlene also teamed up with WJW TV to host local personalities to travel together to do segments on location as she traveled with them worldwide.

For several years during the 90’s, Arlene had a weekend Sunday TV travel segment, also on WJW. More recently, for past the 15 years, Arlene was a regular on WKYC, morning show, “Good Company” with a "Hot Travel Deal" of the week". Arlene also provided full page travel articles of interest for the Cleveland Jewish News. And, not to forget, Arlene personally helped organize and hosted Cleveland Indians Spring Training baseball trip for 24 years, a trip that was exclusive to Action Travel.

In 2012 Action Travel was awarded "Business of the Year" by the Solon Chamber of Commerce, which Arlene credited the award to her excellent and skilled staff. Over the years, Arlene has been awarded "Business Woman of the Year,” on three separate occasions by different organizations.

With all Arlene's endeavors, she always made time to enjoy family and friends, every weekend, all summer, for pool party picnics.

Today, Action Travel is still located in Solon with her two daughters, Lori Skillicorn and Ivy Rogers taking over the helm after spending most of their careers with the agency.

Contributions may be made to: The American Cancer Society in Arlene’s memory.

Funeral services were held, March 21, 2025 at 12:00 pm at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel,1985 South Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights. Interment was at Zion Memorial Park.

Arrangements by Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel.