I just saw that Michael passed. I am absolutely devastated by this news. I worked with Michael at HDC so many years ago. He was amazing. Just such a special soul. So talented in so many ways. Lucky to have known him. I remember when his twins were born. I cannot believe he was taken so soon and so young. God bless you, Michael. And God bless your family.

As I was sitting in Michael's service, absorbing the many heartfelt stories, one thing struck me. Perhaps it's weirdly appropriate that it came from a famous ad campaign. I need to "Be like Mike."

Michael brought so much love, light, warmth, incisive smarts, and forceful positive energy to this world.

A few years back, I told him that, as I participate in our agency's leadership, I think of him as the angel above my shoulder, encouraging me, correcting our direction, and pointing us toward the light.

I took to calling him "our positive behavior change angel."

That became his "title." Now he has his wings.

In my heart or mind or imagination or in some higher reality, perhaps, Michael is still at his station, still floating over my right shoulder. I can still here his voice. His words still steer me. 

I'm still looking up and listening, and I still want to make him proud.



Michael was a larger than life friend and in so many ways a constant companion as we spent more than a decade in new business together. Too many road trips to count, filled with hard fought victories, the rare brutal loss, teaching and mentoring together, and dealing the mental and emotional roller coaster that is the advertising industry. Beyond work, the business trips afforded us the opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper personal level. We shared stories about our pasts and families, he watched my dog Sammy when my family traveled, we sang karaoke at this house, and after Hurricane Wilma knocked South Florida down for ten days, we sat in his backyard talking for hours. A partnership and indeed a relationship in full, I consider myself beyond lucky to have known him, and will carry a piece of him with me always. Rest in peace Michael, and moreover, rest in joy given the remarkably special family you created.

Michael was CEO for a long time during my 7+ years with Zimmerman. Not a typical CEO, for he was as unpretentious as any executive I've ever encountered. He was friendly, inclusive, open-minded with an amazing gregarious personality. As we encountered each other more and more, we developed a business friendship. And once we began to have Annual Karaoke Nights at Zimmerman, he was a given participant. He enjoyed his work and he enjoyed his music. Rest in peace my friend!

Sending love and light to the family of Michael Goldberg. Although his time on earth was cut short what a great impact  and imprint he made on people from all over the world. It was an honor to have had the privilege to know him and have his guidance in the business world. 
Rest in peace.🙏⭐️ ✨
Erica Wade 

Barbara and Family - I am so sorry to hear this shocking news.   I know from all the posts over the years how close all of you were.  Barbara, I know Michael matched the light you brought to this world every day and you were soulmates through and through.  I, like so many others, am thinking of you at this time.  I can only offer my heartfelt sympathy to all of you.  Stay close to each other and know you have an army behind you.   

Michael  was our next door neighbor .
At  our mountain home .
A great person and neighbor.
Our love to the family .
Tim and Shelly Conner 212 the glens of grandfather  N C 

Dear Barbara, it is heartbreaking to hear the sad news of Michael’s death.  I will forever remember him as a sweet and happy guy with a great zest for life and a boundless love for his family.  He was a fan favorite of all who knew him!  Please accept my deepest sympathy and express my sincere condolences to his beloved daughters. 


Michael was a new friend, as we only had about 24 months of acquaintance. But he was an old friend because he was an old soul who could connect instantly. He was a seer --  where the potential was for people, ideas and value. He was generous with his advocacy, his accessibility and his optimism. He knew a good glass of wine, a good story, and of course a good strategy and a good deal. May his memory be a blessing. Lost too soon. 

I did not know Michael, but I know Fern, and all the wonderful things she has told me about Michael.   As she said, he was an all around good human being, kind, loving, caring.     He left this world too soon, but from all the tributes, he left a legacy which will carry on.   I will be sure to pay it forward, if not a latte, someone's groceries.   God Bless you all
Kathryn Captain


So shocked and sad to see this. I just saw his travels to Amsterdam and his celebration of his daughter’s wedding. We weren’t terribly close but had a strong professional relationship at the end of my McDonald’s career. Brilliant marketer and passionate presenter but overall a good person. He will be missed. 

Michael was a special and beautiful soul that will be missed by all that had the great privilege to know him and as a result love him. His joy and creativity will be missed. Rest well my friend. The world is a little dimmer without you in it. 

Michael and I worked closely together at HDC, and I admired him as a professional and natural leader. So very sad to hear he has left the life he so loved. My heart goes out to Barbara and their family.
Mary Beth Casey

Sitting scrolling through Facebook and all of a sudden, I am reading you have passed on.  Mike so glad I got to know you again if only through Facebook.  Your children and wife look like wonderful people and I know you are gone far too soon.  You will always be Robbie Robot to me.  Rest in Peace my dear friend.

What I really knew of Michael is how he cared about his family. He shared in his own quiet way thoughtful perspectives about the future and how we can impact it,.  It was how he cared about people and the brands he respected because he envisioned their success even when they couldn’t see all of their possibilities.   I will miss talking with him, laughing with him and hearing his stories of pride about his daughters and his love of his wife. May he rest in peace and may his way of viewing the world, continue to inspire us to carry on. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Michael when we were starting college and worked together during schools breaks and summers at Bennigans in Hollywood. I instantly liked Michael (impossible not to) as he was always in a good mood, except when we gave him two four tops and put him in the weeds.. We were closer when our kids were younger and then drifted apart, but always stayed in contact. The world lost a good soul today. 

I worked with Michael at Deutsch. Not long ago he was visiting the agency. He called me out of a meeting to give me a big hug and catch up. This was Michael. Ever giving of love and kindness to everyone he knew.  His caring knew no bounds. He was a rare breed and the world is a bit less joyful and musical without him.  Deepest condolences to his amazing family whom he loved so dearly and who clearly shared that love in return. 

This photo is about 20 years old and brings back wonderful family memories. We will deeply miss Michael. 

Michael was one of the kindest people I’ve had the honor of knowing. His unique way of storytelling, unmatched wit and the way he made everyone around him feel valued was a special gift. 
My thoughts and sympathy are with his family. He will be missed. 


Michael was one the the nicest people I’ve had the honor of meeting, getting to work with, and learning from. His positivity was infectious and his humor full of keen wit. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.   He will be missed as much as he was beloved. 

Michael was a wonderful friend and mentor. He gave us a so much and helped a generation of us in the business. He was talented, kind and generous. He will be greatly missed.

Micheal was a force for good in the advertising industry. His guidance and input was inspirational and changed the direction of my career and as a result my life. He was also one of the kindest and funniest people I ever known. The heavens gained an amazing addition with his passing.  My thoughts and prayers to his family. His loss will be felt across the country this week. 

Michael was such an inspirational supporter of The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival as a member of the Board of Directors.  He contributed so many poster, banner, and logo designs for us - always so generous and we benefited greatly from his participation.  Generous, bright and and caring...we will miss him.

“Tanchumin. May God comfort the Goldberg girls and family  among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”  Eileen Schneider, FLIFF

OBITUARY

Michael Jay Goldberg

7 October, 1965 – 20 June, 2023

Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Chapel

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