Harold Leonard Goldstein

Beloved son of the late Paul and Lillian (Julius) Goldstein. Dear brother of Karen Lastnik (husband Steven) and Martin Goldstein (wife Mishel). Loving uncle of Justin Goldstein (wife Tori), David Goldstein, Jonathan Goldstein (wife Nidhi) and Jason Goldstein (wife Katie) and Blake Lastnik. Great Uncle of Ella Brown, Liam Goldstein, Aria Goldstein and Ezra Goldstein.

Harold attended the University of Massachusetts, studying Electrical Engineering. He later attended Northeastern University to major in Physical Education while he worked as a teaching assistant in physical education at the Lincoln School in Brookline. Harold was also extremely athletic, enjoyed playing baseball, and won awards for track in college.

Throughout the years, Harold worked at precision assembly positions at various computer and electronics companies. He most recently worked at Walgreens for several years and before that for more than a decade at Old Navy where he was often praised and recognized for sales contests that he regularly won.

Harold possessed a rare intelligence and empathy. He was the most kindhearted, gentle, and giving person you could meet. He loved nature and animals and once worked as a tour guide at the Walter Stone Memorial Zoo. Harold had a huge love of music and grew up playing the drums, which he continued to play as an adult. Above all, he adored his family and demonstrated that love with generous and nurturing acts every day. He thrived on making others happy.

Graveside services were Sunday, April 18 at 11 AM at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA 02067. View a recording at tinyurl.com/haroldgoldstein

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at www.nami.org

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Eulogy by Karen Lastnik

Harold was the most kind hearted, giving person you could ever meet. One thing I have heard repeatedly from people when talking about Harold, is their describing him as a person who never has a bad thing to say about anyone, ever. I truly don’t think there are many people in this world that could be described in that way. He was truly a sweet, gentle man who was well liked by everyone he met. Harold thrived on making others happy. Family meant more to Harold than anything. He would always very thoughtfully find everyone the perfect birthday present, especially toys for all of his nephews, who he truly loved and adored. Always thinking of others, Steve reminded me how on the first Mother’s Day after we were married, Harold not only brought me over a beautiful bouquet of flowers, but also bought a bouquet for my new mother-in-law, Charlotte, who Harold barely even knew at the time. But Harold didn’t just buy things to make others happy, everyone knew him as a person who could always be counted on to care for others. He would often drive family and friends to their appointments or errands. I remember asking Harold to come to my apartment to take care of my dogs for me when I was away for the weekend. Not only did he do that, but he also cleaned my entire apartment for me while I was away, which was not an easy task!

Harold was a truly wonderful big brother who I could always count on to listen to me, understand me, and look out for me and care for me in any way that he could. I treasure my fantastic childhood memories of Harold taking Marty and I to Nantasket beach and treating us to Chinese food afterwards.

Another beautiful thing about Harold is his really deep appreciation and love of all things related to nature. He would excitedly share new facts he learned about animals and nature and Native Americans. Harold knew all of the best walking trails all over the area and would spend hours exploring the trails with his dog, Benji, then Charlie, and then on his own. When his health was better, he would spend hours each week exploring Elm Bank in Wellesley and the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain, appreciating and loving nature.

Another truly admirable trait of Harold’s is that he never once gave up trying to get better. He was never willing to cave into his illness and he fought so valiantly and for so long to feel better. He managed to help care for my parents during their terminal illnesses, even when Harold was so sick himself. I wished I told him when he was still alive how much I admired his strength. It truly seems like people with the most beautiful souls are the ones who die far too young.

About 2 days before Harold passed, he described to me what he called the most wonderful dream the night before. He dreamt that he was with my mother and she told him that he was cured of his illness and he was healthy. He said she was so happy and he was so happy and he didn’t want the dream to end. I pray that Harold is now in a much better place reunited with my parents and walking nature trails with his beloved dogs, and enjoying the great health he deserved to have in this life.

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Eulogy by Marty Goldstein

Harold was my older brother. He struggled with a mental illness for most of his adult life.

Fortunately, he managed to take care of himself and struggled to get through life one day at a time. A man of very few words but all were kind. He always looked for the best in all people. Not a mean a bone in his body, a tall gentle man. He enjoyed getting to know people through his weekly social groups. He enjoyed a weekly lunch with his friend Roger. He loved taking walks with his dog Benji and then Charlie.

Harold loved the Red Sox, nature, going on his hikes and learning about new animals and trees and loved telling everyone what he learned.

He cherished his family with all of his heart. He was a very good son to his parents, especially when they both became ill at early ages. He especially took very good care of our Dad. After they passed, he developed a special bond with his sister Karen. They spoke daily and lived fairly close to each other. They saw each other often. I moved to Las Vegas with my wife 5 years ago however we continued to speak often.

He loved his nephews, especially little Blake.

As children I have fond memories of going to Paragon Park, Nantasket Beach, swimming, running around in the sand, building sand castles and tossing around the football. He was my older brother and I looked up to him.

He was a great athlete. We played catch with both baseball and football. We used to enjoy sometimes exploring the woods together behind our house in Hackensack Circle.

We will never know what happened to him in those final moments. Why G-d decided to take him now will remain a mystery. His life ended too soon. I guess G-d takes the good people too early. It’s not fair that his great nieces and nephews did not get to know him.

I wish we saw and spoke to him more often. I pray he is in a wonderful place, healed from his illness, and surrounded by family and friends.

Harold is gone, but will never be forgotten.

We love and miss you.