July 22, 1923 - July 13, 2017 Richard J. Goldberg, Ph.D., world-renowned photographic scientist, most widely known for the Technicolor Dye Transfer Process and for his 1952 thesis A Theory of Antibody-Antigen Reactions, which became known as 'The Goldberg Theory'. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, July 22, 1923 to Jacob and Zena Goldberg, he received his B.S. and M.S. from Northwestern University, and Ph.D.s in Chemistry and Biology from Caltech. His education was interrupted by WWII, when he worked on the Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Dr. Goldberg joined Technicolor Motion Picture Corporation in 1953 working for its founder, Herbert T. Kalmus, and became Director of Research and Development. During this time he conducted the official photographic recording of the NASA Saturn Program. In addition to his work in color motion pictures, for decades Dr. Goldberg served as a sole-source contractor to the Government of the United States, designing classified film systems. In the 1980s and 1990s, he served as a consultant to the motion picture industry of the People's Republic of China, and to L. Jeffrey Selznick of the Louis B. Mayer Foundation. His laboratory and archives have been donated to the George Eastman House in Rochester, New York, by grant of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Dr. Goldberg was the holder of many patents and the recipient of many honors. He was a long-standing member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and chaired the Laboratory Subcommittee of the Scientific/Technical Awards. He is predeceased by his parents and by his brother, Stanley. He is survived by his children Sally, Martin, and Jacqueline, by his grandchildren Nicholas, Hannah, and Paul, and by his wife Patricia. Services 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Mt. Sinai Hollywood Hills.

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Jul. 16 to Jul. 17, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Goldberg

9 Entries

Michael Pierceall

December 13, 2024

I worked with Dr. Goldberg at Technicolor. I say, "with," because, in spite of his unequaled intelligence and knowledge of film technology, not to mention his many other accomplishments, he always included the rest of us mere mortals when working through ideas for solutions to problems, and he always expressed his appreciation. Now, almost 8 years since his passing, I still become emotional when I remember back to those days when I had the privilege of knowing him. I stand out of respect, like that scene in "To Kill a Mockingbird." A great man, indeed.

Bill Stemm

September 21, 2017

Dick was my one and only true mentor. I cherish my time working with him, knowing him and becoming his friend.

david orr

August 5, 2017

You seldom meet a man the level, caliber, and ability of Dick Goldberg, possessed as he was not just with smarts, but an extra, indefinable quality that we lesser mortals only wish we had. Nonetheless, our own lives are better for knowing him.
In working with Dr. Goldberg, as I did, there came a moment of realization that when I was with this extraordinary person, who possessed this larger something, I was simply in the presence of greatness, and while I made futile attempts to grasp some of it, I was always in awe of him.
But a man like this, blessed as he was with such a mind, causes a rather predictable reaction in others; your head quite naturally lowers out of admiration, and humbled by one's own inadequacies, now comes the realization that in speaking of him, and of all our fates, one's own words are, altogether inadequate.
I not only had the privilege of working with Dick Goldberg, but am honored to say that for a short time, I knew him as a precious friend.

Hal & Joy Rattray

August 2, 2017

Dicks candle will forever remain lit in the lives he has touched

Hal Rattray

August 2, 2017

I came to know Dick later in his life when around 2000 Technicolor decided to revive the Dye Transfer project. He shared the office next to me and I must say I will hear his voice forever.
At first we disagreed about many things. Over time that turned out to be good as we developed a mutual respect for each other.

How could anyone question the credentials of Dr. Goldberg? Well I did. I think that is what formed the bond that lasted.
Our project was a success 'technically'. It would not have ever happened or succeeded without his knowledge and inspiration.
Past his retirement my wife and I had some wonderful times time together.

His wife Pat is worthy of sainthood for all she has done for Dick over the years.
He will be dearly missed by those who worked with him and certainly his family.

RIP my friend..Dr. Richard Goldberg

note: I have posted a Photoshopped picture I made for his retirement.