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Walter Goldstein Obituary
Walter Goldstein, 89, died on July 9, 2020, in Falls Church, Virginia. Walter was born in London, England, on August 16, 1930. Following military service in the Royal Fusiliers and college at the London School of Economics, Walter came to the U.S. on a Fulbright scholarship to pursue graduate studies at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, where he obtained a PhD in International Relations. Walter was a tenured professor at the State University of New York at Albany, senior Fellow at the Rockefeller Institute, and taught at New York University. He held visiting professor appointments at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Bologna, Italy; at the European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD) in Fontainebleau, France; and at Columbia University in New York City. Walter wrote several books on international economics and contributed over seventy articles to the Journal of Foreign Affairs and other academic journals. He lectured around the world for the U.S. State Department, IBM, and Royal Dutch Shell. Walter had a life-long love for sailing, hiking, travel, and opera.
Walter is survived by his wife, Dr. Phyllis Cohen; by his daughter Miriam, her husband David, and sons Ben and Will; by his son Marc, his wife Lisa, and their son Michael; and by his son Daniel and his partner Gail. Walter was preceded in death by his first wife, Batya Goldstein (nee Freed).
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Memories and Condolences
for Walter Goldstein
hugh johnson
April 13, 2024
To Danny his son.
I think of your father often and remember the great (often serious; always humorous and entertaining) occasions we had together. I speak of him often to friends and still miss him a great deal. Sadly Hugh Johnson
Stephen H. Goldstein
October 21, 2020
As I have written elsewhere today, I mourn the passing of Walter Goldstein (no relation), but I salute his teaching a political science course in international relations at the University at Albany, SUNY. I still can hear his British accents from the 1970s. From Arlington, Va., I regret I learned only today that I missed opportunities to visit him in nearby Falls Church, Va., and to thank him for his contribution to my political science education and degree.
Mike Makar
September 5, 2020
Walter was the most interesting man that I have ever met. Phyllis, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Mike Makar
Marianne Makar
September 5, 2020
I first met Walter Goldstein and Dr. Phyllis Cohen back in 2010 in Bradenton, Florida. Upon meeting them we had an instant connection. My husband Michael & I shared some very happy times with Walter & Phyllis and their family. They took us under their wings and treated us like we were their family and for that I will be eternally grateful. In my entire life I have never met two more intelligent, interesting, warm, loving, human beings. When Walter was speaking to you, he had a way about him that made you feel like you were the most interesting person in the room. He was charming, witty and kind and we will miss him. Love, Michael & Marianne Makar
My loving grandmother Dr. Phyllis Cohen enjoying a wonderful dinner with her late husband Dr. Walter Goldstein you will be greatly missed by many.
Bryan Waters
September 1, 2020
Bryan Waters
September 1, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Kyle
August 24, 2020
Every once in a while I meet someone in my professional experiences who instantly becomes one of my favorite people and a pillar of fond memories for me. Doctor Goldstein is undoubtedly one of those people. I am honored that he called me "friend" and he will be greatly missed by me and those countless lives he has touched.
Martha Rose
August 11, 2020
I was saddened to hear the news of Walter's last months of illness, and his passing away. He was a remarkable man, intellectually brilliant, and able to understand and interpret world events through that lens---his comments always cut away from the superficial to the underlying issues and tensions that were really at stake. He always had a quick comment that summed it all up---so much insight!! (although at times it was often difficult to take in!!)
Walter will be missed---as a professional and personal friend of him, and his wife, Phyllis F Cohen--they were an amazing power couple who were brilliant--each in their own right. Walter's intellectual and academic expertise was a complement to Phyllis' deep understanding of the human psyche. They are also extremely kind and have been generous with their time and expertise---At conferences, professional meetings, and social gatherings it was always a delight talking to Walter about current events and the world.
His spirit will remain with us. My condolences to all of the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. It is a testament of his love that he was able to give to the families he had for the different times and circumstances of his life.
Ric Fouad
July 30, 2020
Rest in peace, beautiful friend. From the moment I first heard Walter speak, his wit, intellect, and affability set him apart from everyone else. Imagine my awe to learn he was one of Hannah Arendt's graduate students at the University of Chicago (and regaled me with tales of her not so easygoing nature!) His concern and affection were genuine, even when he admonished me as "jejune" (and I had to go look up the word!) My heart goes out to Phyllis and the whole family. We will all miss Walter terribly. Yet, for me, it is among my life's greatest privileges to have shared time on earth with this wonderful, funny, remarkably accomplished, deeply caring and humane man.
Jerry Stucchi
July 25, 2020
Professor Goldstein was my faculty advisor at The University at Albany. He was a great lecturer, learned scholar, and a warm human being. I sat for nearly all his classes. His was one of the few classes I never missed. I wish him God’s speed, RIP Professor. You will be missed.
William Seto
July 19, 2020
Walter always greeted me with a warm smile.
I will always remember his thoughtfulness, kindness and support.
I enjoyed his wit and humor in our many conversations.
My sincerest condolences to his wonderful, loving wife, Dr. Phyllis Cohen, their daughter Caasi, and family.
The Owners Staff and Board of Central Park Place Condominium
July 15, 2020
Our deepest sympathies and shared sorrow over the loss of our dear friend Walter Goldstein. Walter was an advocate for all that was fair and just in the world and he practiced as he was taught, both in his professional life and in his strong commitment to community service. To that end, we the residents, staff and the board of managers of the Central Park Place Condominium benefited greatly from his dedication to the board as an officer for many years. We are thankful to have known him and have much enjoyed many spirited discussions with him. May he rest in peace and be forever remembered fondly by all that have been touched by his kindness and humanity.
Mike Beason
July 15, 2020
My lasting memories or Walter are of a generous warm and kind person. Laughing and discussing politics over a good glass of wine in small restaurants in obscure parts of London and in our home. Moreover, the selfless act of supporting Ros and Jonathan at their fathers, and his brother, Martins passing, left deep respect for a true gentleman. We will all miss Walters sense of humour ,smile and NY-LON accent. Rest in peace.
Stephanie Stoddard
July 13, 2020
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, Walter, whom we met in NYC. We will always remember Walter's warmth, his brilliance and the playful personality that enabled virtually everyone to feel comfortable in his presence.
Our sincerest condolences to his cherished and adoring wife,
Dr. Phyllis F. Cohen, their daughter Caasi, and family.
Memory Eternal for a truly great man.
With love,
Stephanie and Bill Stoddard
Peter Binns
July 13, 2020
I have very good memories of Walter. In my early teens he was the laconic, challenging and amusing iconoclast at family events, and an early mentor for my intellectual and political development - I recall debates over the 1956 Suez crisis in particular. And in the summer of 1962 I stayed with him and Batya in Brooklyn. Walter introduced me to a number of interesting people and helped broaden my awareness of a wide range of social and political issues which had a direct influence on my future academic career. Walter was kind, thoughtful and so generous with his time.
Andrew Salomon
July 13, 2020
Sending love to Walters family and friends, especially his children Miriam, Marc, and Daniel.
Stella Binns
July 13, 2020
I remember my cousin Walter from about 1944/5 when I was 5 or 6 and he would have been 14 in Oxford, where our families lived during the war. He taught me to ride a bike by assuring me he was holding the saddle when he had already let go. Later on, I loved his wry sense of humour, like the times he teased his formidable mother when no-one else would dare to. I shall never forget how welcoming, kind and supportive Walter and Batya were when I worked in New York as a young woman. I am very sad to hear of Walter's death and send much love to Miriam, Marc, Daniel and their families.
Sophie Keogh (nee Kaye)
July 12, 2020
Deepest sympathies and many happy memories of who I used to affectionately call Uncle Walter.
Susan Warner ( nee Winter)
July 12, 2020
I have some wonderful memories of Walter when he used to come to London and would visit my parents Sheila and Fred. He always had such wonderful stories that he would relay with such humour and wit.
My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Luisa
July 12, 2020
I am very sorry for your lost ,i am close with you with my heart❤
Daniela Gianotti and family
July 12, 2020
Our condolences and love to Daniel ,Miriam ,Marc and their family from your italian friends
Simone Taylor
July 11, 2020
My sincerest condolences to your family for the loss of your loved one, Please except my deepest sympathies.
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