Marvin Goldman
Interviewed by Stanley Meretsky
December 12, 2003
Max M. Fisher Federation Building, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Marvin Goldman
Video 00:55:58
Marvin Goldman
Audio 00:55:58
Abstract
In this interview, Marvin Goldman speaks about his early childhood growing up in a Jewish neighborhood with his parents and one brother. He describes the years during WWII when he was in the Navy. After being discharged in 1945, he went to work with his father in the scrap metal business.
Though Goldman mentions his parents were not that active in the Jewish community while he was growing up, he says that he began fundraising with Federation and eventually became President of Temple Beth El and helped start the first Holocaust Memorial Center.
Goldman briefly mentions his involvement on the boards of the Jewish Home for the Aged, and Sinai Hospital. From here, Goldman talks about his children and grandchildren.
Goldman speaks about the people who helped him along the way, his mentors and his greatest accomplishments. He speaks about his relationship with his brother, gives advice to his grandchildren, and speaks at length about Leonard N. Simons and his impact on him.
Towards the end of the interview, Goldman speaks about the scrap metal business, his hobbies of golf and boats, and the charities he gives to. Lastly, he mentions his trips to Israel and the President’s Mission.
History of Narrator
Marvin H. Goldman was born on May 11, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan. He attended the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a degree in business. After graduation, he returned to Detroit and went to work at his father’s scrap yard. He served in the Navy during WWII. After, he began a scrap iron business with his brother and father. His family belonged to Temple Beth El and he served as president of the synagogue for two years. An experienced fundraiser, he helped raise money for Temple Beth El, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, and the Holocaust Memorial Center. He also served on the boards of Sinai Hospital and Jewish Home for the Aged.
Transcript
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Credit as: Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. Marvin Goldman Oral History Interview, December 12, 2003.