Richard M. Goldberg

Dr. Richard M. Goldberg, dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away on April 6, 2024, at the age of 82, in Sylvania, OH.

Richard was born on January 12, 1942, to Evelyn and Max Goldberg in Rochester, NY. He grew up in a loving, family-oriented atmosphere, cultivating strong connections with his cousins and extended family in Rochester. This upbringing profoundly influenced Richard's values, anchoring family at the core of his life. After Richard graduated from Brighton High School in 1959, he majored in History at the University of Rochester. He then went on to study Psychology at the University of Buffalo and then received his PhD in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati.

Richard had a prolific career in the Mental Health field which began at the Dayton VA Hospital. Richard moved his young family to Pensacola, FL in 1969 where he accepted a post as a Psychology Professor at the University of West Florida. Subsequently, he established his own private psychology practice in Pensacola, FL and later in Milton, FL. Richard continued his dedication to improving access to mental health and was integral in establishing the Community Mental Health Center of Santa Rosa County (now the Avalon Center). In 1997 Richard moved to Americus, GA where he was head of the Middle Flint Behavioral Health Center followed by his final move in 1999 to Sylvania, OH where he was head of Behavioral Connections of Wood County. Richard rounded out his career by founding Interim Executive Solutions, LLC in 2015, offering consultancy services primarily to health-related companies needing assistance during transitional periods in their executive management functions and leadership. Richard's desire to help and share his expertise started in the 1970's with the B'nai Brith Women, where he began his intermittent consulting work.

Richard married Betty Bruchmann in 1967, becoming stepfather to Betty's young children Warren, Jeffrey and Douglas Ross. Richard and Betty expanded their family having daughter Rachel in 1969. Richard was married again in 1978 to Deborah Cole, and the two welcomed daughter Jessica in 1984. In 2009, Richard married Joy Hyman and enjoyed his final years with Joy in Sylvania, OH and part-time residence in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Richard spent his adult life advocating for mental health awareness and access to treatment. Additionally, he wanted to improve lives in a meaningful way. While not realizing the impact they would have on his and others' lives, Richard accomplished two major achievements outside of his professional and family environments. In 1972, while considering education options in Pensacola, FL, Richard and a group of like-minded parents started a new school called the Creative Learning Center (now called the Creative Learning Academy). Both of Richard's daughters attended the school that he helped create. In 1975 Richard and another local Pensacola family sponsored the Nguyen family who had barely escaped escalating violence in their area of Vietnam. He helped the Nguyens find employment, housing, education and aided their overall integration into the United States of America. Even after Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen had a home of their own, Richard continued his assistance with the Nguyens. He stayed in touch with some of the family for the rest of his life, considering them his extended family.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Evelyn Goldberg; and his sister, Elaine Hughson. Richard is survived by his wife, Joy; her daughter and son-in-law, Ilana and Eric Levin and their sons, Max and Reed; his daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Andrew Zeigler and their children, Noah, Amelia and Anna; his daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Timothy Olzer and their children, Valerie, Bridget and Madeline; and his surrogate daughters, Bang/Bonnie Nguyen Lam and Dung/Zoom Nguyen Le.

His favorite pastimes included history, coin collecting, road trips to historic sites, playing games with his family (particularly Rummikub), and spending time with his beloved grandchildren. Richard's passion, presence, and his love for his family will be greatly missed.

Initial services will be held at Temple Shomer Emunim at noon on April 19, 2024, followed by a meal of condolencce. Per his wishes, in the near future Richard will be laid to rest next to his parents in Pensacola, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Richard's honor to The American Heart Association.

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