Louis Goldstein

Louis Goldstein, age 89, died peacefully on Thursday evening, September 11, 2008 with family by his side. Formerly of The Villages, Florida, and most recently of West Hartford, Lou was a best friend and loving father to his son, Stewart, and to his daughter and son-in-law Michele and Dane Kostin, all of West Hartford. He was a devoted grandfather/poppy to Stephen Goldstein of Bloomfield, Scott Goldstein and his wife Debbie of West Hartford, Jamie Norris and her husband Russell of North Andover, MA, Jessica Kostin of New York, NY, Elisabeth Kostin of New York, NY, Whitney Chernoff and her husband Keith of Boston, and Jeremy Kostin and his wife Laura Javadi Kostin of Greenwich. He was also a very proud great grandfather to Chloe and Blake Norris, Gabriel and Evan Kostin, and Sari Goldstein. Lou was the son of Bessie (Jannes) and Nathan Goldstein and brother of Anne Rubin, each of blessed memory. Mr. Goldstein was born in Poland and, as an infant, emigrated with his parents to St. Louis and then Newark. He proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in England during World War II where he was seriously injured, the only survivor of an ammunition truck explosion. For many years he worked in the automobile business, and owned and operated a Chevrolet dealership in Irvington, NJ. In retirement, he turned to writing. He entertained family, friends, and community with his fast-paced stories, in particular his books, ?Stolen Identity? and ?Label Zoubek, The Man With the Midas Touch? of which he was very proud. Lou is also survived by his dear friend and former wife, Jean Weil, whom he met in wartime London. Through the years, Lou and Jean continued to share in the lives of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Additionally, Lou is survived by his second wife Miriam Tepper whom he met while living in Israel during the 1980’s and with whom he maintained a close friendship, even after his return to the United States and divorce. He was predeceased by his beloved companion of later years, Julie Rutter, to whom he was so devoted. He also leaves his cousin, Albert Goldstein, who was like a brother to him. Al was found by the Goldstein family after the Holocaust through his posting in ?The Forward?. Poppy Lou will always be remembered by his family as a most loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as a spirited storyteller. His spunk and fighting spirit will remain legendary among family and friends alike. May his memory be a blessing. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 12:30 PM in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford with Rabbi James Rosen officiating. Interment will follow in Temple Sinai Memorial Park, Newington. Shiva will be observed at the home of Michele and Dane Kostin through Friday Noon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, 333 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford 06117. For further information or directions, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.