Walter Goldstein's celebration of life was all music, laughter and light

Sometimes sad things happen in beautiful ways. Ways that make you think about the blessings in your life. Ways that make it important to tell those that you love how special they are, and times that let others tell us how much we are loved. It is a horrible thing to receive a terminal medical diagnosis, but a beautiful thing to spend the time you have left making memories and dreams come true.

Walter "Sky" Goldstein had a beautiful voice and a constant smile. He brought light into every room he entered. He was a program director for the Jewish Pavilion and for several years went to independent-living, assisted-living, and rehabilitation facilities to share his light. He did fun programs, designed a "Jewish music bingo" game for them, sang to them with his sweet and powerful voice, brought them joy, food, and traditions, and made them feel that they were still part of the Jewish Community. The love they gave him in return was immeasurable.

After 16 months of battling pancreatic cancer, Walter left us in January. On Thursday, March 5, 2020, the Jewish Pavilion partnered with Kinneret Apartments to present a Celebration of Life for Walter. Over 100 friends, sponsors and residents were in attendance, as well as Walter's wife Helene. Walter's sister, Penny Goldstein D'Agostino, who is the managing director of the Jewish Pavilion and also a singing program director, presented the program with a beautiful memory video with recordings of Walter, and an incredible musical program with her singing some of his favorites including Hallelujah, Smile, My Yiddish Mama, and You Raise Me Up.

Walter wished "no tears" and wanted music, laughter and light. The residents and attendees were overwhelmed with the love shown. He will be greatly missed, but his voice and his smile will live in the hearts of those he touched.

-The Jewish Pavilion staff