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Stephen Goldman Obituary
Steve was an incredibly intelligent, knowledgeable, softhearted, fascinating, and multi-faceted man. An engineer with a EE degree from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Master of Computer Science degree from UNC, he could do almost anything. He was a Senior Software Engineer for Sun Microsystems, and a wiz at fixing bugs - or so I was told, as his work was always way above my head. He could build everything from circuit boards and reef aquarium systems, telescopes and a telescope mirror-grinding machine, to a hangar, with attached observatory, and decks (no matter how intricate my design), and played a major role, along with his brother, Dave, in the building of our home.
He was half way through the construction of a five-seat, fiberglass Velocity aircraft, which he'd hoped to complete in a couple more years. He was an IFR-rated pilot, who also flew hang gliders, and used to scuba dive, as well. Steve could fix cars, computers, lawnmowers... you name it. As he learned at an early age from his father, Frank, he never let "...a dumb thing get the better of (him)."
Steve had an interest in all animals, and even became a beekeeper in recent years, but he especially loved our cats, and I know they'll be continuing to wait at the door every night for him to come home and feed them. They'll miss his lap on the couch in the evenings while he sat at his laptop.
Though not a biological father, Steve became a loving one to my two nieces, Katie and Gretchen Niver, who came to live with us in their teen years. They'll be a comfort to me with him gone.
Besides myself, and a multitude of loving friends, Steve leaves behind his mother, Alice, and husband, Leo Accardi; sister, Sandy; brother, Chris, wife, Julie and sons, Ryan and Justin; brother, Dave, wife, Sue, and daughter, Amy; sisters, Linda, and husband, Steve Camp, and Laurie.
A gathering of friends and family will be held at Fat Cat Air on July 26 to celebrate his life.
Donations can be made in his name to the Carnivore Preservation Trust in Pittsboro, NC, or the Conservators' Center, Inc. in Mebane, NC.
Steve will be missed every minute of every day for the rest of my life. Gretchen Niver
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Goldman
Jan Williams
July 18, 2008
Oh Gretch! I just heard about Steve and my heart is breaking for you and your family. You have my most sincere of condolences my sweet girl.
Francis Hale
July 18, 2008
Gretchen,
I am so sorry for your profound loss. Stephen was a member of our EAA chapter in Apex. He was always spoken of just as you described him, as the man who was afraid of nothing, and could do anything.
I wish I could have gotten to know him better.
GW & Jan Meadows
July 16, 2008
Gretchen, Mine and Jan's thoughts are with you. Steve was a good man. He will be greatly missed
Marty Sass
July 14, 2008
Gretchen,
So sorry to hear about your husband. Sounds like you have Loads of wonderful memories and family which will carry you through. My thoughts and prayers are with you also. Marty (Fink) Sass
Vlad and Lucy Oleynik
July 12, 2008
Dear Gretchen,
It was grieve and sadness which come to our life with that unbearable news. It is hard to believe and impossible to accept. Steve brought to our life much more then we learn for years of leaving in United States. Steve introduced and surprised us by meaning of possibilities and variety of the American life style. Freedom and creation - it was always part of his life and day by day existence. It was good heroic life acceptance on Steve part of his personalities to sustain recent health development. He demonstrates and teaches us how to create and how to enjoy of creation and life. Only one things, beekeeping, would be a good example of his love to the environment and tender teaching us how to care what we have.
His personality was so colorful, full of plans, projects and he has had so dedicated active life. We together with Lucy were strike by your joint creation – house, and learn so much from you and him. Steve was able to enjoy his live and also he could easy spread that enjoyment widely to his family, friends, neighbors and to everyone who ever briefly met him. He bright engineering and creations always fascinate and demonstrate the limitless human nature. His ordinary problem solution would be an extraordinary creation which turn any head and make one to think again.
It will be impossible to forget his multigrain personality, his knowledge and love to people and life. It will be impossible to bearing such grieve and memory for dear friend and cheerful person. He will be always live among us, help us to understand and create a future.
A soft earth and sparkling heaven to his soul!
It is hard to believe Steve has passed away, it is not fair,
Steve has brightened our lives forever
Why God chose him to go to the sky, no one knows
He turn to be the brightest star to us that God shows
(Lucy, in Steve Goldman memory…)
Denise Carman
July 10, 2008
Gretchen and family--
We just learned of Steve's passing from the Chatham Record today. From my first days at the Cary Sun office, Steve always took the time to chat with me even though our jobs didn't give us cause to work together. Steve was truly a renaissance man; I loved to hear about what new thing he was up to. Even though Steve was such a super smart guy, you never felt anything other than his equal when you asked for help or an explanation about something.
Even though I didn't see Steve very often anymore, except for the annual party and occasionally running into him in town, I always counted him as one of my friends. The world won't quite be the same without Steve and I feel blessed to have known him.
Susan Falvai
July 10, 2008
Dear Gretchen,
I worked with Steve for a number of years at Encore and Sun. I met you on a trip up to our office in NC (you had just adopted an ocelot). Steve was indeed a remarkable engineer, one of the brightest I've known. More importantly, Steve was a remarkable person. I am so sorry for your loss. It was obvious to me then that you two were perfect for each other and were lucky enough to have found your soulmates. I am thinking about you.
Karthikeyan Manivannan
July 9, 2008
Gretchen & Family,
It is very sad to know that Steve has passed away. I am an intern at Sun Microsystems Labs in Menlo Park, CA. Steve was very kind in answering all my questions promptly.
May you find all the strength and courage needed to handle this loss.
-
Karthik
Here they are in the Old West party, 2006
July 9, 2008
The Bali party in 2005
July 9, 2008
The Flamenco party in 2004
July 9, 2008
Only photo of Steve, since once again it was about the belly dancing girls this time.
July 9, 2008
Great picture of the two of you, when we went to FirstFlight in Kity Hawk
July 9, 2008
Steve's volcano, rigged to a computer to errupt every 10 minutes. No photo of him, since it was all about the hula girls.
July 9, 2008
Pat and Diane Hayes
July 9, 2008
Gretchen and Family,
To say that you and Steve were an integral part of our lives is an understatement. Just look at the few photos added to the photo album trying to narrow them down to just ones of Steve from every one of your annual parties and our trips together. These do not include the Mardi Gras party or the first hangar party and our trip to New Orleans, but you get the idea. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Your friends and neighbors,
Christi Gilbert
July 9, 2008
Gretchen & Family,
I remember meeting Steve for the first time at your wedding. The last time I saw him was when you visited me in Florida a few years ago. I regret that I didn't see either of you much in the years in between. But I followed your various adventures and admired the way you made the most of life. Your loss is great but your memories are too and I hope you find solace in looking back at the incredible life you shared. My thoughts are with you all as you travel this journey ahead.
Steve at last year's Pirate themed party
July 9, 2008
Bob Rickelman
July 9, 2008
Gretchen:
It's incredible that we've been friends for at least 45 years. I remember first learning about Steve many years ago - freshman orientation at CMU, right? Through our friendship, I've gotten to know Steve well. He was a good person, a friend, and certainly a Renaissance Man. I always admired his zest for life, his ability to make long-range plans, his pride in showing off his latest "project," and his quiet thoughtfulness as we discussed lifes blessings and challenges. I'll miss him, but look forward to continuing our friendship in the coming years.
Ganlin Jin
July 9, 2008
Dear Gretchen: my condolence to the loss of such a fine person who was full of life and wisdom.
Jane Gilbert
July 8, 2008
Gretchen and the Goldman family,
I was so very sorry to hear about Steve. Even though I didn't know him well, I know what an absolutely amazing man he was. I regret not having ever been able to spend more time with you and getting to know him better.
My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Jonathan Polito
July 8, 2008
Steve was really an amazing guy. He was one of the smartest guys I've known, yet he balanced that with kindness, humility and thoughtfulness.
It is hard to believe he is gone and I keep thinking of Darth Vader striking down Obi Wan Kenobi. I will keep listening for Steve's voice.
Sheldon Lobo
July 8, 2008
Gretchen,
We're so sorry for your loss.
I'll miss the morning chat with Steve. We'd trade war stories about compiler bugs and other coding problems. We also talked about the airplane and aviation. He was an inspiration to my small DIY home improvement projects.
We'll miss him.
Kathleen Rinn Duguid
July 8, 2008
Gretchen
I am so sorry to hear about Steve. I've often thought about you guys over the years and wondered what new adventure the two of you were sharing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
Charles Swinford
July 8, 2008
I did not know Stephen Goldman but after reading your obituary for him in the N&O , I wish that I had had the pleasure of having him as a friend.
You make him out to be a real person , one who was an all around good guy. We would have shared many interests. the things that he acomplished in life are not the average but the exception.
I am sure that he will be missed by all who knew him.
I am sorry for your loss.
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