Joel Philip Goldberger passed away Aug. 23, 2012, in Hyattsville, Md. Rabbi Menachem Goldberger, his brother, officiated at the service at Sol Levinson and Bros. Funeral Home in Pikesville, Md.
Interment followed at Moses Montifiore Woodmoor Hebrew Congregation Cemetery in Baltimore.
Joel was born on May 29, 1952, in Denver. He attended Hillel Academy in Denver, Skokie Yeshiva, Bais Medrash LTorah in Jerusalem and Yeshivat Gush Etzion in Israel.
After earning his undergraduate degree at DU and law degree from the University of San Francisco Law School, he practiced bankruptcy law for several years, working for the federal government as a regional trustee in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.
Joel married Marsha Goldberg of Harrisburg, Pa., on Jan. 16, 1983.
He conducted High Holiday services and blew the shofar in Greeley, Colo., fom 1977 to 1990.
Joel and Marsha hosted Passover seders in their home for many years, and their many friends loved the seders warmth and inspiration. Many of those who attended would not have had a seder to attend otherwise.
Joel loved spending time with his wife and two sons, and was a loving and caring father, son and brother.
He was a loyal and dedicated friend who had a unique ability to empathize with others and truly focus on their needs and interests.
In his professional life as an attorney, his peers described him as judicious, fair, caring and compassionate.
Blessed with a great sense of humor, Joel could lighten up a crowd and bring joy into every persons life.
Joel is survived by his wife Marsha Goldberger; sons Brett and Adam of Hyattsville, Md.; his mother Mrs. Ida (the late Rabbi Daniel) Goldberger of Denver; sister Mrs. Debbie Beren of Monsey, NY, and brother Rabbi Menachem Goldberger of Baltimore, Md.
He was predeceased by his brother David Goldberger.
Contributions may be made to Hillel Academy in Denver, or the Hebrew Theological College of Skokie, Ill., 7135 N. Carpenter Rd., Skokie, IL 60077.
Copyright © 2012 by the Intermountain Jewish News
