Edward Golden

Edward Golden, beloved husband of the late Annette (Greenberg) Golden of West Hartford and (formerly) Boca Raton, FL, died on Saturday (September 13, 2008) after bravely fighting a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. Ed was born in Hartford on October 7, 1917, the son of the late Barnett and Dora Golden and lived there his entire life. At age 18, he graduated from Weaver High School and became a member of Kneseth Israel Synagogue and later served as President. As a young man, he worked with his brother, Harry, at H. Golden Department Store. During WWII, he worked at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft before serving in the U.S. Navy as an electronic technician from 1944 to 1946. After the service, Ed joined the family business, B. Golden & Sons Restaurant Equipment & Supply Company, distributors of restaurant equipment to hospitals, schools, restaurants and other institutions for more than 50 years. He was a founding member of the United Synagogues of Greater Hartford, where he was a congregant for more than 60 years, served as a six-term President, Chariman of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Cemetery Committee and at the time of his death, was honorary president. Ed along with his wife Annette, were founding members of the United Synagogues’ Mr. & Mrs. Club-where he served at the Club’s first President. Additionally, he was a member of the Mason’s Level Lodge #137 A.F. and A.M. and just recently received a certificate for 50 years of service. He was a long-time member the Shriners, Jewish Federation, Hebrew Home and Hospital, Jewish War Veterans Post #45 and during WWII served with the Navy in the Pacific Theater. Before his retirement, Ed was locally and nationally active in the FEDA (Food Service Executive Director’s Association). He served as Co-Chair of the Scholarship Fund for the Johnson & Whales College. He was also a contributor to many philanthropic and charitable organizations. Ed leaves three loving daughters, Sheila Golden-Baker and her husband Thomas Baker of Gloucester, MA, Michele Golden Stafford of West Hartford, CT, and Donna Golden and her husband Richard Belitsky of Guilford, CT; and a cherished grandson, Noah Belitsky Golden, who brought so much joy into his life. He was predeceased by three brothers, Harry, Samuel and Julius and one sister, Bessie Zolotor. He is survived by his sister, Rita Golden, of Central SC and his brother, Milton, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL as well as many loving nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. In his later years following his retirement, Annette and Ed spent 19 happy winters in Boca Raton, FL. Both in Boca Raton and in the friendship Club in West Hartford, they made deep and lasting friendships. He was blessed to celebrate his 65th wedding anniversary with Annette before her passing. Over the past two years, Ed was a volunteer for the Red Cross and recently received a Volunteer of the Month award. He was a member of the West Hartford Regents. Ed was a true inspirations for so many. He was lovingly devoted to his family and a thoughtful and generous friend. He was an eternal optimist, and taught others, by his own example, to live each and every day to the fullest and to see the best in everyone. He especially loved the outdoors and nature, and relished his daily morning walks at the reservoir. We are grieving the loss of this great and gentle man who had so much passion for life and the deepest capacity for love and kindness. His passing leaves an immeasurable loss. He will be loved and remembered eternally in our hearts. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 16, 2008, 11 a.m. at Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT with Rabbi David Avigdor officiating. Interment will follow in the United Synagogues of Greater Hartford Memorial Park, Wethersfield. Shiva will be observed Tuesday through Thursday at his home, 110 Lyman Road, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Synagogues of Greater Hartford, 205 Mohawk Drive, West Hartford, CT 06117 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. For further information, directions, or to share memories with his family, please visit online at www. WeinsteinMortuary.com.