Retired Capt. Robert Goldstein dies in TN.; funeral Tuesday

ROBERT MORRIS GOLDSTEIN, a retired captain in the United States Navy and the U.S. Naval Reserve, passed away on April 28, 2016 in Hendersonville, TN. at a health facilty there.  He was 79.

A New Orleans native, Goldstein had only recently become a resident of Tennessee. He had attended Vanderbilt University, where he received a degree in mechanical engineering, prior to his accepting his commission. He rose to be a captain and held that rank after retiring from active duty. Goldstein sailed throughout the Middle East, Scandanavia and other exotic ports of call.

During his naval stint, he was invited to become a member of the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard tall ship (barque) Eagle, considered one of the most coveted of honors for training. He received that honor twice with the blessing of the U.S. Navy.

He also received commendations for marksmanship while he was in the service.

Goldstein met his future wife at a Vanderbilt Homecoming weekend and the two moved to New Orleans after their marriage in January of 1986. They were members of Touro Synagogue and the Southern Yacht Club.

Goldstein was a noted lover of animals and was an exceptional builder of military models. One of his models, a submarine, is on display at the St. Marys Submarine Museum in St. Marys, GA.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Claudia Derrick Goldstein. his step-daughter Lisa (Jackie) Ezell (Jackie),  his sister-in-law Nancy Goldstein, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday morning, May 3, 2016 at Hebrew Rest Cemetery III, 2100 Pelopidas at Frenchmen. Cantor David Mintz will officiate.

Arrangements are by Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd. Condolences may be expressed online at www.tharpsontheimerfh.com. For more information, call 504-835-2341.