Max Goldsmith

Max Goldsmith of Newton, MA, passed away on May 18th at age 73 surrounded by family after a year-long battle with lung cancer.   Max is remembered for his laidback spirit, sharp wit, love of family and lifelong friendships.

Born to the late Robert Goldsmith, an apparel manufacturer from Brooklyn, NY, and the late Bernice (Kaplan) Goldsmith, an artist from The Bronx, NY.  Max was raised alongside his sisters Tina and Wendy in Fall River, MA.  He moved to Cambridge and then settled in Newton with his family while pursuing a career in banking.   Over the next 34 years he advanced through the Bank of Boston, Shawmut Bank, and State Street Bank before retiring just ahead of that decade’s financial crisis.  Returning to his roots, Max joined his lifelong friend Gene Laudon in Gene’s apparel manufacturing business in Fall River.

Throughout his career, Max was also an active and dedicated athlete.  He ran numerous road races and marathons, played competitive soccer on several teams into his mid-forties and coached youth teams, both local and travel.

But in the early 1990’s, no longer able to compete at soccer, he met two former players/coaches at a golf course. This set in motion the passion of his remaining years.   His golf buddies, the “Dawn Patrol” was at Newton Commonwealth Golf Course every day that there was “no snow on the ground and the wind chill was above 25.”  He cherished this ritual, along with his many golf tournaments and travels.  He was a man blessed with enduring friendships and wonderful memories.

Max’s greatest love was Bea, his wife of 53 years.  Together they raised their children Josh Goldsmith and Rachel (Goldsmith) Donovan.   Max adored his grandchildren, Chelsea and Alex Donovan, and never missed an opportunity to cheer them on at any field or hockey rink they played (no matter how far the drive or how blurry the live stream).

He is survived by his wife: Aline “Bea” (Romano), his son Joshua, his daughter Rachel Donovan and her husband Ryan, and grandchildren Chelsea and Alex.  Also survived by sisters Tina Goldsmith and her husband Danny Archer, and Wendy Goldsmith and her husband Kurt Wisneski, and their children Daniel Goldsmith, and Jordan Goldsmith and her wife Melissa Denmark, as well as countless cousins.  Max will be dearly missed, a treasured friend to all who knew him.

Services were private.  A Celebration of Life will be planned for every day that there is no snow on the ground and the wind chill is above 25.

Contributions can be made to the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd, Norton, MA 02766.