Obituary

Joseph “Joe” Goldstein, age 99, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025. Devoted partner of the late Debbie Cooper for over 20 years; beloved husband of the late Shayna (née Bender) for 20 years and the late Rhoda Gayle (née Shapiro) for 19 years. Loving father of Reid, Marc, Ross (Carrie), Scott (Julie), Barbara Randall, and the late Valerie (the late Burt) Eisner. Cherished grandpa of Andrew Mickens, Daniel Mickens, and Hailey Elizabeth Goldstein. Joe was a proud World War II U.S. Army Veteran (1944-1946)-a service that shaped his lifelong sense of honor and gratitude. Deeply devoted to his Jewish heritage and the study of Hebrew, Joe celebrated his bar mitzvah twice-first in his youth and again at age 85. A gifted artist with an entrepreneurial spirit, Joe poured his creativity into his advertising and marketing businesses, as well as into his oil portrait painting. He worked in his field for over 60 years and continued to share his passion for marketing through volunteer work. Joe was an active member of the Wilmette Rotary Club, helping market and plan programs. He also volunteered with Alcoholics Anonymous for over 15 years and was a dedicated volunteer in the America the Beautiful Initiative under President George H. W. Bush. Above all his accomplishments, Joe’s greatest joy and pride was his family. He believed that family was a daily practice-showing up for milestones and for all the small moments in between, keeping traditions, and teaching by example: to be kind, to work hard, and to look for beauty in everyday life. He will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched. Memorial donations may be made in Joe’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.Chapel service, Wednesday, November 12, 2025; 12:15 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment to follow at Shalom Memorial Park. For a link to view the service, shiva information and to leave condolences www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.

Service Information

Service : Wednesday, November 12th at 12:15 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Guest Book & Memories

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November 14th, 2025

Joe was a hero in my eyes though he would probably deny that. He was wise, funny and devoted to all he cared about. People, the arts, faith, family, and so much more. I’m pretty good on funny and devotion, but I have a ways to go on wise. I particularly recall a long conversation about his time in the service in Japan after WWIi. Actually I treasure any memory I have of private conversations with Joe. Tim Grodrian

~Tim Grodrian
~Rotary Friend, Fort Myers , Florida

November 12th, 2025

Hailey Goldstein

I always loved going to the theatre together, gushing over the costumes and the acting and then grabbing dinner after. We would talk about art and music and the world! I’ll love you forever Grandpa!

~Hailey Goldstein
~Granddaughter, Chicago

November 11th, 2025

I always adored Uncle Joe from the time I was very little. He was loving, had a great sense of humor and a huge heart. I particularly remember a time when my mom was in the hospital and Uncle Joe stayed with my sister and I for hours, keeping us calm. Uncle Joe, you will be missed!

~Linda N Salavitch
~Niece, Fountain Hills

November 10th, 2025

I was his teacher in the Adult B’nai Mitzvah class he was the most ardent learner always offering a new insight and a bit of laughter. We bonded during that class and he will be missed. May his memory be a blessing

~Phyllis Steiner
~Friend, IL

November 10th, 2025

I remember growing up with uncle Joe. He was always sweet and always gave me the best smiles! I will miss him. He also helped me when I worked with CTW children’s theatre. He designed some of our sets and designed a wonderful posters for us. Uncle Joe I will never forget you!

~Cathy Hirschmann
~Niece, Highland Park, Il

  • Photo By Hailey Goldstein :

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