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1929
2014
GRISWOLD - Erwin Lionel Goldstein, 85, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on October 1, 2014. He was the son of the late George W. and Rose Goldstein. Erwin was a Korean War veteran, educator, scout leader, author, local historian, conservationist, hiking enthusiast and respected community leader. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 27, 1929. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Poultry Husbandry from Delaware Valley College and was employed by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture in Baltimore. Erwin volunteered with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, serving as a bomb disposal technician and instructor with the First Cavalry Division. He earned a Master's degree in Poultry Husbandry from the Univ. of Rhode Island. Erwin married Naomi Schulman of Brooklyn, NY on September 12, 1954. Erwin held assistant professor positions in New York and Rhode Island. In 1960 he and Naomi moved to Pachaug, CT and operated a poultry farm. Erwin returned to the teaching profession as an elementary and high school science teacher in North Stonington, a position he held for thirty-two years. He served as Chairman of the Wheeler High School Science Department and established the school's greenhouse program. He was known by students and colleagues alike as a trusted and caring advisor. Concurrent with his teaching career, Erwin worked as a part-time reporter for the Norwich Bulletin's Jewett City Bureau for over a decade. He wrote a gardening column which appeared in the Bulletin, the Hartford Courant and the Meriden Record-Journal; the popular column ran for more than twenty-five years. He also co-authored three books: one documenting whale sightings off Cape Cod and two more reviewing Town of Griswold history in the 20th Century. In his Erwin's volunteer efforts promoted the protection of Connecticut's natural resources and documentation of local history. In the late 1960's he established Boy Scout Troop 113 in Jewett City, and served as it's first Scoutmaster. He served as the first Chairman of the Griswold Conservation Commission, authored the town's first Inland Wetlands Regulations and was a Board Member of the Avalonia Land Trust. He was a founding member and long-time Chairman of the Griswold Historical Society. As Chairman of the Griswold Veteran's Park Commission, he was instrumental in the creation and maintenance of the town's Veteran's Memorial Park. Erwin worked for thirty years as a volunteer maintainer of the Connecticut Blue Trail system. He was a founder and past Chairman of Northeast CT's annual October "Walking Weekend". Erwin was a very enthusiastic hiker. He hiked to the highest point in each of the New England states, and hiked up Mt. Washington a total of twenty-eight times,through all types of weather.. Erwin hiked across the Grand Canyon three times, conquered the Chilkoot Gold Mining Trail in Alaska and covered various sections of the Appalachian Trail. He journalized many of these exploits in feature newspaper aticles. In 1997 he was named one of "America's Top Ten Walkers" by Walking magazine. Erwin hosted an annual gathering of friends and relatives that he named the "Festival of Life" to celebrate friendship, family and the joys of life. He will be remembered most for being a dedicated husband and father, and a friendly community resource who shared information about science, history, religion, agriculture, and exploration of the outdoors.
Erwin leaves his wife of 60 years, Naomi, a daughter Susan Goldstein Fghani and her husband Omar Fghani of Malden, MA, a daughter Cindy Goldstein, of Aiea, HI, a son David Goldstein of Griswold, CT, a grandson, Tarek Fghani and a granddaughter, Safiyah Fghani.
The Goldstein family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at Colonial Rehabilitation Center of Plainfield for the care they provided to Erwin. He will be missed by all who shared time with him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Griswold Veterans Memorial Park Fund.
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, October 6, at 10:00 A.M. at the Leffler Funeral Home, 30 N. Main St, Jewett City. Burial will follow with full military honors in Pachuaug Cemetery. There are no calling hours.
56 Entries
Valenda Newell
June 19, 2017
Wonderful patient caring man. Great teacher. We all are better people from knowing him.
Gail McLarty. (Austin)
October 15, 2014
There is so much to say about Erwin and Naomi. My children went to Naomi's daycare years ago, and they gained so much from it. Erwin would take the kids along with him to tend his turkeys and his gardens. He taught the kids their letters and how to spell their names on his typewriter, probably while he was trying to write his gardening column. My son would come home and pretend to feed his imaginary turkeys, and he had me planting a few vegetables myself because of Erwin. Naomi and Erwin invited us all into their home for a Christmas party every year, and Erwin played Santa Claus for the kids. They even put up a Christmas tree for the kids, even though they are Jewish. When my son was in the hospital in New York, Naomi and Erwin made the trip there to see him, and they took me to St. Patrick's Cathedral. Erwin told me just which Saints to pray to. He knew from his friends growing up in New York. What amazing, giving people!
Denise Avery
October 14, 2014
Gidget Harris
October 13, 2014
You are not going alone, a huge piece of heart is going too. Thanks for being my teacher and my friend. I will always love you and you will NEVER be forgotten.
Gidget Harris
October 13, 2014
I can truly say that Mr. Goldstein was, without a doubt one of the best human beings I have ever known. He was my teacher, but he was so much more than that to me. The world is a better place because he lived and I am so honored and thankful that he was a part of my life.
Sending hugs and lots of love to his entire family. <3
Gidget Harris
October 13, 2014
Irving was a role model for all of us and a pillar of strength for many of us. His obituary clearly defines his dedication to his caring for about the environment. And the testimony of his positive impact on so many young people is a tribute to him of the highest quality. If only we could all give to those around us and to the world we live in with the same caring and unselfish manner wouldn't everything "go better"? I think he had the "secret". My life too was better because Irv was part of it.
To his family: May his style become your style and become your comfort, for his legacy is more than great!
Ellie Banker
October 11, 2014
He sounds like an amazing man. May he rest in peace.
a neighbor
October 10, 2014
So sorry to hear of Mr. Goldstein's passing...he was, without a doubt, my favorite teacher at Wheeler High School! He made biology fun and educational. He was always patient, kind and found humor in a classroom of students with either scalpels or petri dishes!! "There's a fungus among us by a mold I was told...penicillin's the villian now who shall we scould?"
God Bless you all!
Cindy Collis-Faucher
October 9, 2014
To the Goldstein family. Deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. He was quite a man and led a good life, you are all in my prayers. James and Susanne Anctil-Huntington
October 9, 2014
Dave,Cindy & Sue, We will always remember your father as intelligent, kind, patient, gracious...He always had time to listen. He will be greatly missed! Thinking of you. Steve & Shirlee Roy
October 8, 2014
A heartfelt thank you to everyone sharing their thoughts and memories of our father Erwin Goldstein, from his children David, Cindy, and Susan. A number of these posted comments were read at his funeral service, contributing to our memories. He taught many of us science, a love for nature and enjoying being outdoors, gardening, hiking with minimal supplies, and most of all, taught us to appreciate and enjoy life and time with our friends and family. Your online comments and reflections at his funeral services show how he was a positive influence for many of his Wheeler High School students, Boy Scout and Cub Scout troop members, young people that were struggling, community friends and volunteers, and kids he watched along with my Mom at daycare. He impacted many of our career paths and influenced many of us to become the adults we are now. He was a wonderful and caring person and leaves us all with many memories and lessons for living a good life. His words of wisdom .... celebrate life .... don't get old. And as we all know we will age and become old, but can certainly stay young at heart, dedicate more time as volunteers in our local communities, go paddle a canoe, take time to have a meaningful conversation with a friend, or take a hike. The best remembrance of all would be a hike through the Grand Canyon or a climb up Mt. Washington for the first time or one more time to celebrate my father's life well lived.
Cindy Goldstein
Cindy Goldstein
October 8, 2014
With deepest sympathy. He was a great teacher. May he rest in peace. God bless his family member. Hope God comfort thru your time of sorry.
Winifred (Pattison) Wong
October 7, 2014
Naomi and family, so saddened to hear of Erwin's passing. We will always remember his stories, kind heart, witty humor, and all round fountain of info. I'm grateful for the time he shared with our boys during your care for them Naomi. The memories will always remain in our minds and hearts. R.I.P. Erwin... may you enjoy a whole new realm to hike and discover. Blessed be...
Sandy Mattos-Odgers
October 7, 2014
What an adventure his life was ... Our condolences on your family's loss.
Phil and June Anctil
October 7, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Goldstein family. Erwin was a special and unique individual. He was a dear friend. We cherish our memories with him.
Lucy & Jerry Harlow
Lucy Harlow
October 7, 2014
This is a horrible loss for Griswold and the surrounding community. I did not know Mr. Goldstein personally, but I was aware of his involvement with the Blue Trail system(my husband and I hiked up Mt. Misery on one of his October walks) and I remember seeing him when I was a child in Jewett City, showing up at local events as a reporter. A terrible loss. It was evident he was a honorable man.
October 6, 2014
I am so sad to hear the news of Erwin's passing. He was my favorite teacher and hiking buddy. I will always cherish the wonderful times and what he taught me. Mark Howard
Mark Howard
October 6, 2014
What a great and inspiring teacher to so many of us. He made biology come to life. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends.
Lori Blackburn
October 6, 2014
Loved Biology with Mr. Goldstein!!!! He ignited the spark of interest in so many young people. If I wasn't in the medical field I was always leaning towards Biology teacher thanks to him...... He will truly be missed
Shawn Cervera
October 6, 2014
Wonderful patient caring man. Great teacher. We all are better people from knowing him.
Gail McLarty. (Austin)
October 6, 2014
Just a truly wonderful human being. He had a way about him that made you feel like he really cared about you. A grandfather like presence. I'll bet he was a fantastic grandfather. My condolences on your loss.
David Marsh
October 5, 2014
So sorry for your loss, Cindy & David--
Jill (Johanessen) Skidgell
October 5, 2014
Mr. Goldstein was one of my all time favorite teachers and kindest souls. I always looked forward to his classes and hallway banter. What a privilege and honor to be a student in the hands of such a first-class educator. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. To all of us students whose lives he influenced in all the right ways, we were so very blessed indeed.
Susan Adams Brown
October 5, 2014
I'm sorry for your loss David, Susan, and Cindy.
Annette Erick
October 5, 2014
Erwin ... such a great guy, teacher, friend, colleague.... so kind and caring...fond memories....
RIP... Blessings to your family...
The Costanza Family
October 5, 2014
Im his grandson its really sad :(
October 5, 2014
A great teacher, with his direction I learned the importance of classification, Genius and species. God rest your soul.
Edward Fronczek
October 5, 2014
Dear David, Cindy, and Susan, my prayers and thoughts go out to you at the passing of your dad.
John russo
October 5, 2014
I remember Mr. Goldstein fondly. He was a great teacher. He was nurturing, and I will always remember our lunchtime talks. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
October 5, 2014
A true gentleman and scholar who enlighten
so many to life and nature. My condolences
to the family.
Frank Scott
October 5, 2014
So sorry for your loss Cindy, David and Susan. I have such fond memories of the times I spent with your family. God Bless!
October 5, 2014
Great father, writer, teacher & will be missed.
Joe Bentley
October 5, 2014
Erwin, You were a friend and inspirational colleague with whom it was always fun to work. A wry sense of humor, quick wit, and a multitude of talents always made for interesting days and conversations. Best wishes for Naomi and the rest of the family that will miss him daily. Blessings on you in your time of need.
Frederick Souza
October 4, 2014
May he rest in peace. He was a positive force in a lot of peoples lives!
Chris Johnston
October 4, 2014
My sincere condolences . A truly great science teacher and patient man!
Class of 1987
Sue Host Portofee
October 4, 2014
Mr. Goldstein was a great educator and inspiration. I was lucky to have him as a science teacher. My condolences to the Goldstein family.
Clare Bianco Ornburn
October 4, 2014
Mr Goldstein was the most positive influence in my young life when a positive mentor meant everything to a sensitive kid from a broken home. Thank you for all your inspiration and my deepest condolences to the Goldstein family.
Michael Conley
October 4, 2014
I have such wonderful memories of Mr. Goldstein. My heart is saddened for his family and friends. He was truly one of a kind, and I am so glad to have known him.
Amy Storey-Furbush
October 4, 2014
I have fond memories of Mr.Goldsteins science class, at wheeler, in the late 70's. I had no idea he was so active in so many things, an amazing man. My thoughts are with his family.
John Goggin
October 4, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked at Wheeler High with Erwin in the late 80's. He was a well respected faculty member and when he retired his loss was felt!
Marcia Holly
October 4, 2014
Mr. Goldstein was a wonderful teacher whose enthusiasm and zest for life could be felt by all of his students at Wheeler. We were blessed to have such a knowledgeable teacher. I also looked for and enjoyed reading his gardening column in the newspapers over the years. May you find comfort in his memory and in knowing the profound impact he had on all of his students over the years.
Carolyn Baker-Reck
October 4, 2014
With deepest sympathy. He was a great teacher and friend. May he rest in peace. God bless
Keith Thompson
October 4, 2014
It was a blessing to have Mr. Goldstein as a teacher- a blessing that continues to this day.
Jim Bouchard
October 4, 2014
Prayers to the Goldstein family. As a former student, I remember his zeal for teaching, and his sincere caring for his students. His love for life was always evident...a great example! Ruth Copelin Sande
October 4, 2014
Mr Goldstein was a well loved teacher !!
October 4, 2014
Besides being an amazing teacher, Mr. Goldstein was a kind and compassionate person. I'm not sure how anyone could tolerate a room full of ninth graders, but he seemed to love us. I send my condolences to all who loved him.
Mary Main
October 4, 2014
I was a colleague of Erwin's at Wheeler High School for several years. He was a fine educator and a great person. My condolences to his wife Naiomi and family.
Betsy Mercer
Ashaway, RI
Betsy Mercer
October 4, 2014
Mr. Goldstein was a favorite teacher of mine at Wheeler- smart, funny ("May lightening strike me dead if this isn't on the test!") and kind. Wish I'd known about his fascinating life beyond the school buildings as well. My deepest condolences to his family on this loss.
Kim (Mulford) Allan, Class of 88
October 4, 2014
Mr Goldstein was an honored teacher. He was one who influenced me. I had fond memories of his class. He is deeply mourned by me. My heart goes out to his family along with my prayers.
Ruth Mc Laughlin
October 4, 2014
Mr. Goldstein was a treasure to have as a high school biology teacher. His manner and demeanor brought out the best in his students. He passed on his love of nature to hundreds of Wheeler students. The world lost one of the greats. My condolences to his wife and family. May they find comfort in knowing he was loved.
Fred Fronczek
October 4, 2014
Erwin was a teacher at Wheeler when I began my career there over 35 years ago. I remember him as a kind, warm, and welcoming person. Condolences to his family; I'm sure he will be missed greatly.
Karen Gallo
October 4, 2014
I didn't have the pleasure of Erwin's company very often since we lived too far apart. But the precious few times I did spend with him were fun and so interesting! He was a kind and special person that I was honored to know. My deepest sympathy and prayers to my special friend David and the entire Goldstein family.
Linda Hanson
October 4, 2014
Mr. Goldstein was one of the greatest men I ever knew. As a teen he never wavered in his support and encouragement despite my being a lonely and troubled kid from a broken home. He was more family to me than my own family when I needed inspiration most in my life. Later in life I realized how much he had inspired me and helped me become a better person. I was fortunate enough to be able to express that to him a few years ago and today I tearfully say goodbye to one of the greatest positive influences in my life....ever. To the Goldstein family, who I remain in contact with to this day, thank you for sharing this wonderful gift of a human being with me.
Sincerely and with respect,
Michael Conley
Leeds Point, NJ
Michael Conley
October 4, 2014
Mr. Goldstein was one of my favorite teachers at Wheeler. He was partly responsible for me pursuing a career in science (Pharmacy). He was a kind man. Anyone who had him as a biology teacher will always remember "Ma Grakels Lifesaver Hole Factory". My thoughts and prayers to the Goldstein family.
Bill Sergiy III-Mystic,CT. Wheeler Class of 1978
October 4, 2014
An absolutely fascinating man! Just talking with Erwin was an education in itself. I can only imagine the tremendous gift he has left to his students over the years.
My condolences and sympathy. May he rest in peace.
Mark Dupuis
October 3, 2014
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