Joel Goldhar Obituary
Joel earned a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he also participated in ROTC. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army, traveling the world in service to his country and rising to the rank of Captain. He furthered his education by earning an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1965 and a Ph.D. from George Washington University.
In 1982, Joel moved from Washington, D.C., where he had worked for the Manufacturing Studies Board and the National Academy of Sciences, to Chicago to become Dean of the Stuart School of Business at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), a position he held from 1983 to 1988. He continued to serve as a professor of operations and technology management at IIT, making significant contributions to the fields of business policy, operations, and technology management. His research focused on computer-integrated manufacturing and the impacts of technology on business strategy. The students he trained have gone on to hold important positions in government, industry, finance, and academia, where his materials and methods continue to shape the next generation.
Joel is survived by his loving wife, Leslie, to whom he was married for 42 years. Together, they shared a deep love of travel, art, and family. He also leaves behind two sons, Sam (Emily) and Philip (Katie), who cherished his love and wisdom, and four grandchildren, Leo, Madeleine, Sydney, and Hannah whom he cherished. His legacy of dedication to education and family will be remembered by all who knew him.
A service celebrating his life will be held on February 21, 2025, at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077, at 2:00 PM, followed by burial at Memorial Park Cemetery. Shiva will follow the burial at Chicago Jewish Funerals. Livestream of the funeral service is available at https://chicagojewishfunerals.com/
Donations in his memory may be made to the Rabbi Paul F. Cohen Discretionary Fund via https://templejeremiah.org or to the Cosmos Club of Washington, DC via https://www.cosmosclubfoundation.org/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dr. George E Mayer
July 28, 2025
Our deepest condolences to Leslie, Sam and Phil, and families. George and Judy Mayer
Alan H Neff
July 7, 2025
May Joel's memory always be a blessing to his family.
Alan Neff and Meade Palidofsky
Pouya Haddadian
March 19, 2025
It has taken me time to find the right words, but even after a month, I still struggle to capture the depth of my gratitude for Dr. Joel Goldhar. He was more than just a mentor-he was a guiding light, a teacher in the truest sense, and someone who always believed in me. His passion for education, his unwavering dedication to his students, and his ability to challenge us to think deeper made him truly one of a kind.
I still remember the first time we met in-person. He invited me to the Union League Club to listen to a live Jazz show, his favorite music genre. A memorable night with him and dear Leslie.
I am forever grateful for his wisdom, kindness, and support. His impact will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched.
Joel, your absence is deeply felt, but your lessons, generosity, and spirit remain with us. Rest in peace-you will always be missed.
Rob Nelson
February 23, 2025
I offer my sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to all his family, loved ones and the many, many lives he touched especially at Stuart School of Business where I've the chance to know him as faculty for over a dozen years. He truly loved what he did and marketing. He was very kind to me and helpful. We spent some nice times together and I think Stuart will not quite be the same without him. But, I know he'll be keeping an eye on us. He was a true professional and good person who will be greatly missed.
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Liad Wagman
February 22, 2025
Dear Leslie and family, I was so saddened to learn of Joel's passing. He was a dear friend and mentor, and is leaving behind a legacy of excellence and dedication. He had the rare ability to support and challenge Stuart students in equal measure, preparing them for their future. He did the same for colleagues and faculty. His amazing passion for education and commitment to excellence were incredible. He was an idea factory like no other, continuously churning new ideas. I owe him so much and am so grateful to have witnessed his brilliance. He will be deeply missed.
Dianne Kahalas
February 21, 2025
Leslie and family. I remember being welcomed to Chicago by both of you which made things easy and comforting. Joel had such commitment and dedication to the Stewart School I knew we were in a good place! So sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you.
Dianne Kahalas
Regina and Chuck Corush
February 21, 2025
To Leslie and the family,
Chuck and I are so sad to hear about the loss of Joel. He was a friendly,intelligent and kind human being. He had a great sense of humor and love to tell stories. Chuck and I truly enjoyed the time that we´ve spent together May your lifetime of memories help you get through these difficult times.
Much love to you all.
Regina and Chuck
Andrew Ash
February 21, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Joel's passing. To my six-year-old self having play dates with Sam, he was such a light. Sending love to all of you.
Beverly Rogers
February 21, 2025
Dan Stacey and I send our condolences at the passing of Joel. Thank you for the memories of our friendship. Leslie and the family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Shelly Schacht
February 21, 2025
Dearest Leslie, Sam & Phillip (& families),
I am so sorry for the loss of Joel. Although I haven't known Leslie and Joel for long, they have been good friends. While many people say that they are "living life to the fullest," Joel was a person who actually did. I admire the way he led a rich, fulfilling life up to the very last. May his memory be a blessing.
Leslie, we are always here for you. Please reach out when you are ready.
Beth and Keith Groebe
February 20, 2025
Joel was one of the great ones. He will be sorely missed, but we will cherish our memories of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Beth and Keith Groebe
Ketan Patel
February 20, 2025
I was fortunate to have Prof. Goldhar during my MBA experience at Stuart School of Business. He was an amazing teacher and a great person. He will be missed tremendously. My deepest condolences to the family for your loss.
Alison Ash
February 20, 2025
Dear Leslie, Sam, Philip and families: Marshall and I are thinking of you at this time. Our families have been friends since junior kindergarten at Greeley School. Although Marshall and I left Winnetka in 2007, the friendship endured and became closer over the years. We especially prized your visits to us in the Berkshires and trips to Tanglewood with you. Joel was a generous, kind, patient friend who enjoyed all the good things life has to offer. We feel so blessed to have known him.
Matt Groebe
February 20, 2025
Leslie, Sam, and Phil - I´m so sorry for your loss. Joel was such a kind man and a great father. I´ve known him since I was about 5, and I only have good memories of him. I hope you all are able to find peace during this difficult time. Rest in peace Dr Goldhar
Cheri Sperring
February 20, 2025
Dear Leslie and family,
My heart goes out to you all. Living so far away, I only had the chance to meet Joel once ,but I could tell he was a kind, friendly, gracious person.
Leslie, I am at a loss for words at the moment. You know I am and will always be here for you. I will hopefully be able to follow the funeral on line since I can't be there in person.
Cheri xxxx
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