Eugene Goldberg Obituary

Eugene Goldberg, 81, of Toledo, OH, passed on Monday, September 26, 2005, at home, 13 months since a stroke, yet still playing violin with twin students until a few weeks ago. Violin prodigy at age 9, first studying with his father, Ernest and accompanied on piano by his 5 year older brother, Melvin then went with his mother, Rachel, to music conservatories in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh during the 30's; returned to Scott HS graduating '42, while studying violin, Sundays with Maurice Warner, who was a student of Leopold Auer who also taught Jascha Heifetz; youngest violinist of any Toledo Symphony Orchestra age 15; member of local 15-286 Musicians Union for 66 years; in Symphony for 34 years; taught privately students on violin, viola, cello, piano, and Harmonica much more than 1000, be they children, adults, physicians and their children; disabled WWII veteran; a medic. Univ. Ohio State and Toledo, Business Sci Bachelors '51; married October 26, 1952, to Gloria Burger of Fostoria for nearly 53 years; performed for every kind of musical production held in Toledo area, including with Wayne King "Waltz King" who ask him to join his group and with Wayne Newton at Centennial Hall; was a strolling violinist at most finer restaurants, country clubs Art Museum, Botanical Gardens, Erie Street Market etc. all at night or weekends; by day worked, surviving unhurt Maumee Chemical Co. explosion in 60's; president in 61 and 62 Cherry Elem. PTA, 6 years; Toledo-Lucas County Librarian and 17 years Toledo City Council Legislative Librarian "retired 87", and still taught and performed into 2005; 50 year member Temple Shomer Emunim.
Eugene is survived by wife, Gloria; daughter, Sandra; son, Marvin; nieces and nephews REMEMBERING, "The shadow of his Smile."
Visitation Thursday from 6 to 8, Wick/Wisniewski Funeral Home, 2426 N. Reynolds Rd. Services and interment Friday September 30, 2005, at Noon in Woodlawn Cemetery. After services on Friday friends will be received in the Goldberg home. In lieu of flowers memorial tributes to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements, Wick/ Wisniewski Funeral Home, 419- 535-5840

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Published by The Blade from Sep. 28 to Sep. 29, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Goldberg

5 Entries

Joanie Barrett

September 30, 2005

Mr. Goldberg entered our lives as a violin instructor in 2000 for my daughter, Jessica a novice violinist in the MVCDS string ensemble. He quickly endeared himself to us and became a permanent fixture in our family and our daily lives. We spent countless hours enjoying the beautiful and soothing melodies that so easily flowed from his beloved violin. He was the consummate musician...he lived and breathed the music...he expected a good performance not perfection but a diligent attempt at the written and composed music. He taught with confidence, professionalism and humor. If a mistake was made with an incorrect note or fingering he would exclaim "Oh pickles!" or when thanking someone would say "Mercy Buck-up". Mr. Goldberg will be deeply missed by our family ... although small in stature and size...he was a Giant of a man! God Bless You Mr. Goldberg...see you in Heaven. Thanks for the memories... you have touched our hearts and our souls.

Lovingly, The Barrett Family

Mark Olejownik

September 28, 2005

More than anything else that Mr. Goldberg ever imparted with me, and more than anything that I will remember about him, was that no matter what, when you asked him how he was, all he would say was, "I can't complain". I doubt that I will ever meet someone as optimistic and humble as Mr. Goldberg, and I am a better person for knowing him.

Sara Thurman

September 28, 2005

I met Mr. Goldberg when i was 6 years old. His piano lessons were a gift from my aunt for Christmas. I never knew that with the piano lessons i would have met one of the greatest men on earth. He treated me like a granddaughter because my grandfather was always sick and my other one had already passed. During my piano/violin lessons I would always say "I can't" And Mr. Goldberg would always say "Don't ever say you can't...because you can" He taught me more than just playing the piano and violin...he taught me that you never give up and you never stop trying. I am now sixteen years old and I always will carry Mr. Goldbergs memory with me. He touched everyones life that he came in contact with. He will always be missed. Im going to miss you Mr. Goldberg. Thank you for always being there.

Angie Romano

September 28, 2005

I came to Eugene a couple of years ago at the age of 45 to take violin lessons for the first time in my life. I told him I had always wanted to learn the violin, but I was afraid I was too old now. He was so wonderful! He said "Don't let ANYONE tell you that you are too old! If we all decide that at a certain age we must stop learning and growing, we will shrivel up and die! You are never too old to learn!" Although, I did not continue very long with the lessons due to personal reasons, I remember Eugene as a very warm, sincere and caring person! And Oh so talented... My condolences to his family.

ROSIE OLEJOWNIK

September 28, 2005

OUR FAMILY WAS BLESSED WHEN GENE CAME TO OUR FAMLIY, SO ENJOYED HIS QUICK WITT,HUMOR AND VALUABLE LIFE LESSONS.OUR '"GRANDPA GOLDBERG". DENNIS AND I OFTEN SAID THAT IF NO ONEHAD TAKEN LESSONS WE WOULD STILL HIRE HIM TO SPEND TIME AND VISIT EVERY WEEK. HE IMPARTED MANY VALUES AND THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD WORK ETHIC HONESTY, AND ACCOUNTIBILITY TO OUR THE SON'S MATT,MARK AND MICHAEL.ONE OF HIS FAVORITE SAYINGS "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW" WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER.THE ONE MEMORY I WILL TREASURE IS WHEN HE WOULD LEAVE HE WOULD RALLY THE BOY'S FOR HUGS HE WOULD SAID HE NEEDED AT LEAST 3 THAT PARTICULAR DAY.WE WILL SURELY FEEL HIS ABSENCE BUT CHERISH THE WONDERFUL MOMENTS HE BROUGHT TO OUR FAMILY.WE LOVE YOU GENE.THE OLEJOWNIK'S

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