David A. Goldfinger

David was born April 29, 1935 to Gertrude and Irving Goldfinger in Newark, NJ. After graduating from Hillside High School in 1952, David went on to study History and Education at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

It was at this time that David was introduced to the love of his life, Toby Redlus and they wed in 1959, going on to have three children, Ruth, Ronnie and Karen.

When Ruth was born, the family moved to Cleveland as David began his career as a Manufacturer’s Representative of plumbing supplies. Without a network of support in Cleveland, David built deep and lasting friendships that felt like family. In his spare time (!) David enthusiastically (and superstitiously) cheered on the Cleveland Browns, Rutgers, the Beachwood Bison, his three children, and anyone who pursued their dreams. Always a force for change, David was an active volunteer with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, the Keys Jewish Community Center, Histadrut, Indian Guides, and in the Beachwood Girls Softball League serving as both sponsor and coach.

Later in his esteemed career, David served on several trade and professional committees and boards. Including serving as a member of the acquisition team, investor, Board member and advisor of a private business that he helped to transition to a publicly traded company.

David had a passion for fishing, whether with his wife Toby or with the motley and loyal collection of retired Doctors in the Florida Keys, or deep in the Canadian bush with his chosen band of brothers. Whether supporting his family or driving change through advocacy, David made it his mission to improve the world. We will miss his quick wit, warmth, giant open heart, belief in the goodness of people, business acumen, thirst for knowledge and above all his love for family.

David was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Toby (Redlus), parents Irving and Gertrude (Blum) Goldfinger and his brother Richard. He is survived by his children Ruth Marks (John, of blessed memory), Ronnie (Stacey) Goldfinger and Karen Goldfinger Baker (David Baker). Seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren including Matthew, Joey (Kenice and Naomi), Elizabeth Marks, Jacob (Dr. Mandi, PhD and Oliver), Rachel Goldfinger, and Dr. Sam, MD (Grace Stern) and Gabriel (Hadass Galili) Baker.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Israel Emergency Campaign.

Funeral service for David were held at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel, 1985 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118 on Wednesday, December 27, 2023.

To view this service at 1 PM on Wednesday please navigate to the Services section below and click on "JOIN LIVESTREAM."

Interment will follow at Bet Olam Cemetery, 25796 Chagrin Blvd, Beachwood, Ohio 44122 at 2:00 PM.

The family will receive friends at the Goldfinger residence, 4 Haverhill Ct, Beachwood, OH 44122 Wednesday following the burial until 5 PM and 7 to 9 PM, then Thursday 2 to 5 PM and 7 to 9 PM and Friday from 2 to 4 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bkbmc.com for the Goldfinger family.