There is much to be said about Sam Goldberg – A man who lived 86 full wonderful years of life. All that knew him loved Sam. Always smiling everywhere he went. When Sam walked into your life he brought friendship, fun and smiles. Sam would walk into a room full of strangers and would put everyone at ease. He loved his animals, danced to a variety of music, and was a patron of the arts.
Sam Goldberg died peacefully in San Diego, surrounded by the ones he loved most on October 3, 2018. Sam was born on July 10, 1932 to Sonia and Harry Goldberg in Montreal, Canada. Sam served in the Army during the Korean War. He later graduated from University of Miami in 1959 with a degree in Radio – TV film. After moving back to New Jersey, Sam began working as a teacher and eventually moved out west to open his own school and pursue further dreams.
Sam put family first and His children remember him as a kind, gentle, driven, successful, strong father who encouraged all to pursue their goals. He is survived by his five children in order of youngest: Carly, Jarred, David, Jeffery, and Shereen. His brother Robert Goldberg and his grandchildren Hannah and Aaron Stebbins. He is preceded in death by Sonia, Harry, Alex, and Esther.
He opened The Learning Tree Preschool in Solana Beach (1973-2001) where he met his former wife Cathy Goldberg and was an active member in the community. Sam was a generous individual who loved teaching and who was passionate about educating anyone he would engage with. He was happy whether he was traveling the world or at home watching game shows with his kids.
A funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, October 9, 10:15am, at the Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego 92122. A Celebration of Life is planned Saturday, October 13, at the Fletcher Cove Community Center (133 Pacific Ave. Solana Beach, CA 92075) All are welcome to attend and celebrate Sam’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The family would like to thank friends, caregivers/hospital staff at Scripps Ximed/Prebys Cardiovascular Institute in La Jolla for their support, care and dedication to our beloved Sam.