Maynard H. Goldman

Born in Lawrence, MA, to Charles and Rebecca Goldman on August 7, 1935, Maynard's incredible journey with the violin began early, in the third grade. This ignited a passion that shaped not only his life's work but also his pleasures. He graduated from Boston University in 1956 and proudly served in the U.S. Army, where he was part of the music department at West Point Academy.

After his service, Maynard returned to Boston, embarking on a remarkable career in music and life. He married his dream girl in 1964 and remained as committed as the day he married her to his last day. In the beginning of his career in Boston, he took every job offered to him—from debutante dances to summer musical theaters.

He later performed with esteemed ensembles such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, and the Boston Esplanade Orchestra. For nearly 25 years, he was the concertmaster of the Boston Ballet, and he also held the same position with the Boston Opera Company, later the Boston Lyric Opera, and the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Maynard played a key role in founding the John Oliver Chorale and the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, and he even served as concertmaster for the Royal Ballet of England during its American tour.

Maynard's talent took him around the world, with his beloved fiddle always by his side. He performed in places as diverse as Japan, Korea, and one of his favorites, the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. Known for his dry sense of humor, he was always humble and a man of great integrity. When he made a commitment, he honored it to the best of his ability and encouraged those around him to do the same.

As a freelance musician, Maynard's versatility shone through as he played alongside a diverse array of performers, from Pavarotti to Aerosmith, often unimpacted by their stardom. His love for teaching led him to a fulfilling role as the Director of Applied Music at Concord Academy, where he found great joy and satisfaction. He also contributed to the resident string quartet at Brandeis University and mentored many young violinists starting their careers in Boston.

Maynard was deeply devoted to his wife, Janet, with whom he shared 60 wonderful years. He was a loving father to his son, Noah, of Attleboro, MA, and his daughter, Carrie Goldman, and her husband, Joshua Schram, of Worcester, MA. He was the proudest grandfather to Rashaad Schram and Kaija Schram. Maynard is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Edith Machado of Essex, CT, and Marlene Goldman of Mentor, Ohio, several cousins, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and "great-grands." He was predeceased by his siblings, Rhoda Upson Betts, Sheldon Goldman, and Melvin Goldman.

A service to honor Maynard's life will be held at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington Street, Canton, MA on Tuesday, June 25th, at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Street, Wayland, MA.

Shiva will be observed on Tuesday, June 25th from 3:00 PM-7:00 PM and Wednesday, June 26th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, in his memory.