Leon Goldstein

Leon Goldstein, 93, of Mountain Lakes, NJ died on October 23, 2024. Born in Lenox Hill Hospital at the hands of Dr. Rodgers, Richard Roger’s brother, he coincidentally enjoyed a life filled with music and a special appreciation for musicals and the American Songbook.

His parents were Anne and George Goldstein of New York City who predeceased him. He leaves behind his wife, Barbara Bertschy, his son, Rick Goldstein (Paola Madrisotti); his daughter, Ellen Goldstein; grandchildren, Hank and Anna Goldstein; brother and sister-in-law, Steven Bertschy (Maryanne Bertschy); and nieces and nephews, Carrie Ann Bertschy and David Bertschy (Ivette Sales Bertschy), Robert Goldberg and Lynne Goldberg, plus many other beloved family members. His long loving marriage to Barbara was at the center of his life and was a model for his family and perhaps even his friends.

Mr. Goldstein graduated from Forest Hills High School, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania (BS degree in Economics) and Rutgers University (MBA). He was a proud member of Kappa Nu at Penn and maintained relationships for decades.

After serving in the Army Signal Corps during the Korean War, he followed his entrepreneurial spirit and co-founded Madison Business Forms in 1962. He served as the CEO/President until he sold the business in 1997. During those years, Mr. Goldstein became a Certified Forms Consultant, collaborated with friendly competitors to develop shared software, acquired two other smaller companies, and served on the Board of Directors for the National Business Forms Association (NBFA).

An avid bridge player, he achieved the status of Life Master and became an accredited teacher. After learning to ski in his 40’s, he was proud of his 70+ski club patches. He was also known as a legendary napper, for his ability to nap anywhere anytime. Tennis and golf were also passions, and he was a member of Rockaway River Country Club for more than 38 years. He volunteered with the New Jersey State Golf Association’s Course Rating Committee, the Planning Board of the Borough of Mountain Lakes, and AARP Driving Courses teaching driving safety. Known as “Mr. Map” for his uncanny ability navigate anywhere, he always found a short-cut and never drove the same route twice; it was an insult to his inner sense of direction when GPS instruments became available.

Leon’s heart and soul was to organize and be part of social gatherings at home, in Vermont, and wherever he went. Leon was a very generous man who loved his family dearly and loved to provide friends and family with wonderful experiences, including over 35+ years hosting over 300 guests in Ludlow, VT who enjoyed golf trips, the foliage trips, the Winter holidays, the summer hikes and lakes, and the ski trips. A lifelong and avid NY Giants fan and season ticket holder, he provided his son and grandson with many memorable experiences watching games together.

A private graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Saddle Brook, NJ. Donations in Leon’s memory may be made to his daughter’s nonprofit: www.backpackdreams.org or Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.