Obituary of Ronald Edward Goldstein

Ronald “Goldy” Goldstein, 71, of Searsmont, Maine passed away on August 27th, 2020, surrounded by his family, after a short but courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. Goldy was born on 04/20/1949 in Pittsfield, MA, to Morris and Jeanne (Gruberg) Goldstein. Goldy was an energetic and funny child who preferred to be outside and would do anything to escape Hebrew school. As Goldy grew up he discovered his love of the land, music and cooking. After attending UMass Amherst, Goldy spent time on his family’s Kibbutz in Israel. In the 1970’s Goldy decided to move to Maine and purchase land as part of the Back to the Land Movement. With the help of friends Goldy hand built a cabin in St Albans, ME, where he homesteaded and discovered his love of helping people with disabilities and met his oldest and dearest friend, Steve. Goldy has continued to volunteer with Special Olympics Maine for over 40 years- sharing this passion with his wife and children. In 1985, Goldy met the love of his life and wife of 32 years, Cheryl Mallard. Goldy and Cheryl moved to the Belfast, ME, area in 1986 where their children, Lea and Noah, were born and raised. Goldy spent the last 25+ years at the Belfast Co-op where he became a beloved member of the community and his passion for helping those in need and the elderly shined. Goldy’s greatest love was his family and friends and he was a natural caretaker, gardener and cook. Goldy was the most amazing father and husband, showing his young children the world in a VW bus, building carboard cars in the driveway to teach his daughter how to parallel park and mowing a pitch and putt golf course on his land for his son. His devotion to his beloved wife and children was tireless. Goldy is predeceased by his father and mother and numerous beloved aunts and uncles. Goldy is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl Mallard of Searsmont, ME, his daughter Lea Goldstein and her partner Ben McPherson of Montville, ME, his son Noah Goldstein and his wife Erin and grandson Ari of Hingham, MA. He is also survived by his sister, Judith Noel of The Sea Ranch, CA, his niece Sara Noel and family of Chicago, IL, and beloved friends Steve Bourey and Harold Noel, both of Portland, ME. Goldy was a larger than life person and his sense of humor and profound love for his family were strong through his final hours. His love and memory will never be forgotten. A private burial will take place at Grove Cemetery in Belfast, Me. In lieu of flowers and in recognition of his Jewish faith the family is requesting that donations are made in Goldy’s name to Special Olympics Maine at Special Olympics Maine Attn: Phil 125 John Roberts Road #5, South Portland, ME, 04106.