Melvin Lester Goldberg, adoring husband, dad, and grandfather, and loyal friend, passed away on February 22, 2025 after a difficult three years during which he bravely battled numerous illnesses, including metastatic melanoma. Mel took on each health challenge with much resilience and a positive attitude. With each new medical complication, his intense desire to remain with his cherished wife, Joan, and his close knit family did not diminish. As in good times, Joan, was by his side every day and was selfless in her resolve to take care of her husband like she has for nearly 60 years. Mel’s children and grandchildren were privileged to witness firsthand what it means to have a partner for life.

Melvin was born in the Bronx, New York on March 1, 1944. He was the youngest son of Rose and Al Goldberg and brother to Elayne Messler. The stories of his rambunctious youth in Pelham Parkway shared by Mel and his mother, Rose, and sister, Elayne, have been told over and over and enjoyed by many generations and will be shared with many generations to come.

Mel was a skilled jeweler and salesman with a storied 40 plus year career in New York’s diamond district. As a young adult, Mel apprenticed with Felix Monaco to learn the skill of diamond setting and began honing his skills from a bench in his living room closet. Later he began working for his father, Al Goldberg, and his uncle, Harry Goldberg, at the famed G.C. & G. jewelers on Fifth Avenue. Mel started at G. C. & G. as an intern and ultimately ran and grew the business for over 20 years. After G. C. & G. shuttered in the early 1990’s, Mel worked as a salesman at Leon Diamond Store and The Original Diamond Center, both on 47th Street. He later partnered with Craig Rizzieri to start the tiny but thoughtful Diamond Shoppe in a shoebox space on 47th street and subsequently became the top salesman at Shenoa & Co. for almost 10 years, most of that time working on the side privately for Chanel. Mel was well known on 47th street for his sales acumen and kind heart. He specialized in making one of a kind engagement rings and special pieces, cherished by most of his friends, family, friends of friends and loyal customers from all over the world.

Mel met the love of his life, Joan Feldman, in high school and they were married in 1965. Mel and Joan were young and anxious to begin their lives together and start a family. They welcomed their first daughter, Robin, in 1966 and their daughter, Jennifer, joined them in 1974. Mel and Joan spent their early life together working hard, raising their girls and playing hard and later reveling in their daughters’ successes and life milestones. Mel was Joan’s most adoring fan, hanging on her every word and laughing at her every joke. Joan was his ultimate partner, the light of his life, and he was the most dedicated, patient and appreciative husband.

Mel’s best friends, Lenny Verebay and Fred Prins, who he met in his late 20s and raised family alongside, were like brothers to him. Mel maintained an extremely close relationship with his sister, Elayne Messler, and niece, Andrea Kamhi.

Mel’s greatest pleasure in life was to be in the presence of his wife, Joan, and his family and friends. Mel was a man of few words and great affection. He was the life of every party, dinner and gathering, with his deep voice bellowing, his emotions on his sleeve, and the vodka flowing. His positivity and infectious laughter will remain in our hearts. He was a lover of men’s fashion, lounging in the shade, fine dining, classic rock music, New York pizza and Howard Stern.

Although Mel was a “girl dad,” he finally got his son when Robin married Michael Psaros in 1994. Mike and Mel had a special bond and their relationship grew stronger over the years. In 2010, Jennifer married Sean Cohan and Mel joyfully welcomed Sean into the family with open arms and unwavering support.

Mel was fortunate to share in the daily lives of his five grandchildren. He was a consistent presence and source of support and happiness for each of them, with whom he had a unique and special relationship: Alexandra Goldburg (28), Leo Psaros (25), Marina Psaros (18), Makenna Cohan (10) and Shiloh Cohan (3). Of all his life’s accomplishments, Mel was proudest of his children and grandchildren. His passing leaves an enormous void in the lives of his family and dear friends.

A funeral for Melvin Goldberg will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Robert Schoem’s Menorah Chapel, W-150 Route 4, Paramus, NJ 07652 at 11:00am. Interment to follow at Cedar Park/Beth El Cemetery, 735 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652 for immediate family and friends.

The family will sit Shiva in New York City at the following times:

Wednesday February 26 from 3:00-7:00pm

Thursday February 27 from 3:00-7:00pm

Friday February 28 from 12:00- 4:00pm. Those wishing to pay respects may text (917) 747-3720 for location details.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) in memory of Melvin Goldberg.

To donate by check, please note the individual’s name being honored in the memo line of checks and send to the address below:

Melanoma Research Foundation

P.O. Box 719329

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19171-9329