Samuel Goldfarb
1925 – 2023
Samuel Goldfarb, a long-time resident of Princeton NJ and a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 21 at the age of 98 years.
Sam (also known as Stan) will be remembered for his devotion and generosity to the causes and people who mattered most to him, including his surviving wife of 72 years Irene (Dale) Goldfarb; his children Ruth Koizim, David A. Goldfarb, Sally Goldfarb (Joseph Straus), and Judy Goldfarb; his 3 grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Sam was predeceased by his parents Max and Fannie Sams Goldfarb; his siblings Ruth Goldfarb, Jean Goldfarb Sherres, and Fred Goldfarb; and his son-in-law Harvey Koizim.
Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Sam was a proud graduate of Rutgers University. There, in addition to meeting Irene, the love of his life, on a blind date, he earned two bachelor’s degrees in engineering. He later earned a master’s degree in engineering from NJ Institute of Technology. Sam’s dedicated service to his undergraduate alma mater was recognized when he was named a Loyal Son of Rutgers, the highest award for service conferred by the Rutgers Alumni Organization.
After serving in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946, Sam held a variety of engineering positions at RCA, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, and other companies. His expertise and professional experience were wide-ranging, and he was sought after as a consultant into his 80s. From the days when he built model airplanes and ham radios as a boy, through his years working on innovative projects ranging from communication satellites to heart pacemakers to fusion energy, he remained fascinated by engineering, science and technology for his entire life.
Since their arrival in Princeton in 1963, the Jewish Center of Princeton held a special place in Sam and Irene’s lives. For decades, they faithfully attended weekly Shabbat services together, always sitting in their favorite seats. Sam also served in multiple volunteer leadership positions at the Jewish Center.
Sam’s talents and passions were not limited to engineering. Whether piloting a single-engine plane with his future wife as a passenger on their second date, body-surfing at the Jersey Shore, carrying a kid fireman-style upstairs to bed, or telling a funny story, Sam lived every day to the fullest. He had a vivid personality and leaves an unforgettable legacy.
Contributions in memory of Samuel Goldfarb may be made to The Jewish Center of Princeton, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County, or a charity of your choice.
Funeral services are 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 23 at The Jewish Center of Princeton. Burial to follow at Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge, NJ.
It is impossible for us not to smile when we think of Stan. Though no one (except for Stan) could remember exactly how we were related (we know Stan and David’s mother, Marilyn, were cousins, related through her mother, Esther), Stan along with Irene made us always feel like we were part of this amazing family. In our early months of dating, David brought me to Stan and Irene’s home in Princeton (was it a test?) for brunch along with all of the Goldfarb crew. I recall how David was then, and continued to always be, in awe of the wildly intellectual (and passionate) discussions that took place around the dinner table, and the exuberant feelings of love of family that Stan along with Irene exhibited and encouraged. We were so grateful to be invited into this warm, lovely group thanks to Stan. May his memory be a blessing.