Julian "Mr. Wonderful" Goldberg

Julian Goldberg, also known as "Mr. Wonderful," passed away August 15, 2006. Julian was born In Lecompte, Louisiana, a suburb of Alexandria on June 18, 1921. He attended Louisiana State University where he received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. After graduating, he worked in Seattle, Washington as an engineer for the Boeing Corporation. He later became a Marketing Representative for the Bud Berma Company. His territory was from Florida to Texas. He spent several years calling on retailers in these states, and before long these retailers and friends he had made along the way, all looked forward to his semi-annual visits. They would eat, drink and make merry. Julian moved to Houston in 1962 and started a successful career in the apartment development business. Shortly after moving to Houston, he met the love of his life Jean, whom he married in 1965. As he was approaching retirement, Julian suffered a massive stroke in 1984. At that time, his doctors told the family there was no hope of recovery and that rehab would be pointless. Luckily Julian didn't listen and set out with his indomitable spirit to prove them wrong. Over the next 2 years, he successfully re-learned to walk, talk and even drive. Then Jean and Julian, true life partners, set out to enjoy to the fullest this "extra time" that God had given them. With Jean's loving help, Julian led a full, active and happy life enriching the lives of everyone that came in contact with him. When anyone asked him how he was doing or feeling, his answer was always "wonderful" hence the affectionate moniker "Mr. Wonderful." Julian was Free Mason, Shriner, and a Member of the Downtown Rotary. Julian was pre-deceased by his parents Abe and Bessie Goldberg, sister Margie Jacobs and brother Harold Goldberg. Julian is survived by his loving wife and partner of 41 years, Jean; his son Ralph Howard, grandson Nick Howard, family special friend and Ralph's girlfriend Mimí Blum and son André, and numerous nephews and nieces. The family extends special thanks to Julian's care-giver Carla Jackson. Julian died as he lived: with elegance, grace, dignity and courage. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 P.M., Thursday, August 17, 2006 in the Freda and Jackie Proler Chapel at Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset Boulevard, with a graveside service to follow at Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet. For those desiring who wish, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.