Obituary: Jacob Selig Goldberg

Jacob (Jay) Selig Goldberg, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Sept. 28, in Tucson, Ariz., at the age of 94. Jay was born on Jan. 1, 1931, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Mary and Ben Goldberg. Jay had one cherished brother, Richard, who preceded him in death. Jay attended James Madison High School where he excelled both academically and athletically as a member of the basketball team. After high school, Jay went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania where he studied architecture. In college, Jay was a member of Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity. After graduating college, Jay served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Following Jay’s service in the military, he began his long and rewarding career as an architect. He first worked for the prominent firm Charles Luckman and Associates in New York City. He subsequently spent time with William Lescaze Architects, also in New York City. Jay would finish off his career opening his own firm after moving to Atlanta, Ga. Jay met his loving wife, Elsa, during a golfing vacation to Pike, N.H., in 1960. Jay and Elsa were married in 1961 and settled down in Forest Hills, N.Y. They moved to Elsa’s hometown of Atlanta in 1963, where they lived for the next 40 years. Jay and Elsa would eventually retire to Tucson to be near their children and grandchildren.

Jay was a member of the Koi Ami Synagogue in Tucson. He was a generous supporter of many charities and organizations, including Brandeis, Jewish Family Services, Jewish Federation, and many others. Jay enjoyed reading, gardening, and he was also an avid traveler until chronic medical conditions prevented him from traveling later in life.

Jay is survived by his wife, Elsa (Goldstein) Goldberg, of nearly 65 years, their three children, Dr. Mark Goldberg (Toni) of Tucson, Deborah Goldberg of Athens, Ga., and Dr. Lee Goldberg (Wendy) of Tucson. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Helena, Veronica, Maisy, and Ruby. The funeral was held at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Ga., at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.