Dr. J. Roger Goldin

Dr. J. Roger Goldin, 79, of Pittsfield, MA died Friday, February 17, 2023, at his home after bravely battling lymphoma for the past year. He was born in Passaic, New Jersey on May 13, 1943, the eldest son of Bernie and Madeline Ida (Wiener) Goldin. Roger grew up going to Hebrew School, playing baseball, and enjoying classical music. Roger graduated from the University of Rochester and earned his Ed.D from Boston University. He was a professor of psychology at Goddard College in Vermont until 1978 when he and his family moved to Pittsfield where he worked as a forensic psychologist for the Department of Mental Health for the remainder of his career.

Roger directed the Adult and Juvenile Court Clinics that served all of Berkshire County's trial courts for over 36 years. The Clinic evaluated individuals' competence to stand trial and criminal responsibility made sentencing recommendations and evaluated people for commitment as a result of mental illness or substance abuse. He served on statewide committees tasked with training forensic clinicians throughout Massachusetts, and directly trained forensic psychologists and social workers. Upon his retirement, Roger dedicated his life to caring for his family. He supported his wife Barbara in her battle with cancer and cared for his son Jason who had Angelman Syndrome which is characterized by challenging seizures.

An avid fan of the music before Bach, his interest and experimentation with instruments ranged from recorders and stringed instruments to whimsical whistles. A real nature lover, Roger enjoyed hiking and cross-country skiing both while living in Vermont and at his long-time home in the Berkshires. Roger loved Tanglewood and sitting on the lawn with his family. In recent years, Roger enjoyed working there, searching for and returning beloved diamonds and forgotten sunglasses to visitors with a smile. Roger also enjoyed time on the Outer Cape, sunrises, walks at low tide, treats from PB Boulangerie, and long bike rides on the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Roger was a devoted husband and father who cherished family above all else. Roger was a community person, he genuinely cared for everything and everyone he encountered, and he did so with gentle humor and a twinkle in his eye. Roger always looked for the good in people and had a unique way to find gratitude even in the most trying of circumstances. His family and friends mattered most to him, and in his final days often said how much he would miss them. Roger was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Ann Miller Goldin who departed on December 5, 2016, and his beloved son, Jason Neil Goldin who departed on January 25, 2021.

Roger leaves his daughter, Emmy Rachel Goldin of Pittsfield, MA, and his brother Elliott Goldin and sister-in-law Debbie Goldin of Cedar Grove, NJ. Roger also leaves three brothers-in-law: Donald Miller of York, PA, Gary Miller of New York City, and Randy Miller of Acme, PA, and their respective wives and husband Dot, Daniel, and Linda. Roger leaves many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews who already miss his music and silly dances. Roger leaves many friends, new and old, who supported him in the most meaningful of ways, by sharing meals, music, chocolate treats, and taking walks in the woods with dogs while sharing real-life experiences and telling stories that matter.

Donations in Roger's memory may be made to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation (angelman.org), Hospitality Homes (hosp.org/), or to a charity of your choice. Alternatively, you can simply donate your time to a special cause, a person who could use your support, or a stranger who might like a smile.

A celebration of Roger's life will be held in warmer weather. Local friends who knew Roger can join Emmy for a shiva-like gathering on Friday, February 24th from 2-4 pm and Sunday, February 26th from 2-4 pm at 100 Holmes Road, Pittsfield.