Obituary: Martin Goldstein

Martin Goldstein was born to an immigrant father who came to the U.S. at age 16 to avoid being drafted into the Russian Army and to a Polish mother who married on Ellis Island in 1924 because it was the only way she could enter the country.

The family moved to Miami Beach, Fla., because of his father’s ill health. He graduated from the University of Miami, summa cum laude, and its medical school where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the medical honor society. He completed a dermatology residency at University of Miami and Emory University and began a private practice, first in Atlanta and mainly in the Smyrna/Marietta area. For over 50 years, he was a compassionate, experienced physician as well as a trusted advisor to many patients. His care and expertise won him the respect and admiration of all of his patients, some of whom continued to contact him even after his retirement. He served as president of the Atlanta Dermatology Society and as a volunteer physician and mentor at Grady Hospital, Emory Dermatology Service.

Marty, as he was known to friends and colleagues, was active in the Jewish community, serving on the board of Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Yeshiva Atlanta, MJCCA, and was a leader in the Medical Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. He knew how important it was to support his community and share his good fortune with others.

He was not one for hobbies or a wide range of interests. His focus was always on his practice, family and community. After retirement, he began to develop his natural artistic ability, taking classes at the Benson Center and producing a number of drawings and portraits. It is too bad he didn’t have time to fully develop his gift.

With Doris, he traveled the world and visited all continents. Most memorable was a trip to the former Soviet Union to bring support to those Jews who were imprisoned in the Soviet system which made life extremely difficult but refused to let them leave. During that visit, they were interrogated by the KGB and harassed.

He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Tanya Goldstein, z”l, his brother, Dr. Norman Goldstein, z”l Newton, Mass., and several cousins. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Doris H. Goldstein, and his children; Dr. Marcy A. Goldstein (Dr. Eran Bellin) of Teaneck, N.J., Alex W. Goldstein (Amy Berns) of New York, N.Y., and Wayne H. Goldstein (Robin) of Lexington, Mass., nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, and several dear cousins. He relished watching the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, all of whom had his unfailing love and support.

His most important legacy is the Jewish family he helped to create. All of his children graduated from Jewish day schools and attended Jewish camps, married Jewish spouses, and are active in Jewish life wherever they live.

He leaves a legacy of kindness, personal fulfillment and service to family, patients, and community.

The family would like to sincerely thank Weinstein Hospice for their dedicated care during this time.

Contributions in his memory: Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Camp Ramah Darom, The Epstein School, University of Miami Medical School.

A graveside funeral was held at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 29, at Greenwood Cemetery, 1173 Cascade Cir SW, Atlanta, GA 30311. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.