Martin S. Goldberg 1924-2025

Martin was born July 11, 1924, in Youngstown, to George Goldberg and Bee Walker. Martin spent his childhood in Youngstown and in Manhattan in New York City, New York. Martin graduated from The Rayen School.

Martin joined the United States Army Air Corps 7th Air Force, Bomb Group, 98th Bomb Squadron. Martin was a radio man / top turret gunner in B-24 bombers. Martin’s rank was tech sergeant. Martin flew 39 combat missions and earned seven air medals. He was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross and three Battle Stars.

Following the war, Martin attended the University of California. He transferred to The Ohio State University, where he completed his undergraduate degree and obtained his law degree. After briefly working for another attorney, Martin accepted a job at an advertising firm in New York City. Martin did not enjoy the work and returned to Youngstown to open his own law office.

Martin truly enjoyed the practice of law, where he focused on representing plaintiffs in malpractice, personal injury and products liability cases. Martin achieved great success as an attorney, and particularly cherished the camaraderie and collegiality he enjoyed with other attorneys in the practice of law. Martin retired from the practice of law on June 4, 1998.

Martin immediately relocated to Palm Desert, California, where he owned a beautiful home and had spent part of the year for some time.

Martin was honored by the Mahoning County Bar Association with the Distinguished Service Award in 2002 and received his 60-year pin in 2012.

Martin had many interests. Martin was an avid reader and an art enthusiast. He was active in the High Twelve International Order of Masons and the Scottish Rites of Free Masonry. Martin volunteered with the Citizens On Patrol (COPS) with the Palm Desert Police Department. In addition, Martin served in a volunteer program that provided rides to Marines between the Palm Springs Airport and 29 Palms, California. Martin was also a volunteer at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Additionally, Martin studied creative writing at Oxford University and at the local community college in Palm Desert, California.

Martin was divorced from Ida Lackey, the mother of his two children. Martin was then happily married to Donna Lowry, the love of his life, for over 50 years. They enjoyed traveling, their pets and entertaining.

Martin leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Jeralyn (David) Mercer; his daughter-in-law, Andra Kellum Goldberg; his grandsons, Bryan (Hilarie) Goldberg and Alvin D. Mercer; his great-grandchildren, Daniel Charles Goldberg, Ella Bee Mercer and Jensen David Mercer; his nephews, Steven M. (Amanda) Goldberg and J. Michael (Kim Brown) Goldberg; his niece, Julie (Marc) Silverman; his sister-in-law, “Bobbie” Goldberg; and a host of other relatives and friends.

The memory of Martin will be fondly cherished by his nephew, Attorney Steven Goldberg, son of Martin’s late brother, Jerry. Steven and Martin shared an extraordinary bond, having worked closely together for 14 years – collaborating on legal cases and embarking on numerous adventures. Their professional alliance was defined not only by a steadfast commitment to excellence but by a deep personal connection, resulting in a lifetime of shared experiences and cherished memories.

Martin was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, who died in December 2020; his beloved son, Jeffrey A. Goldberg; his stepsons, Brian Kosola, Keith Kosola, John Kosola and Ken Kosola; and his brother, Jerry Goldberg, with whom he was extremely close. Many friends and relatives also predeceased Martin.

Martin loved his family and friends with all his heart, and his departure from this world will leave a void in the lives of many that cannot be filled. Martin treasured his close friendships with Judge Theresa Dellick and her husband, Attorney John Dellick, and Attorney Lynn Sfara Bruno. They all stood by him until the end. They also helped plan and celebrate Martin’s 100th birthday last July. Martin was also especially close with Judge Lou D’Apolito and his wife, Paula, Attorney Charlie Dunlap and his wife, Sharon, who was Martin’s cousin and whom he was proud of introducing, and his cousin, Joan E. Rose and her late husband, Buddy.

The family also wishes to thank Laura Kelty, executive director of The Inn at Poland Way, Jeff Vrabel, administrative assistant and a prominent Veteran advocate, Sandy Grecco, the head nurse, Chris Kline, the nurse with whom Martin was so close from the beginning, Analyse Cole, a certified medication aide who took a special interest in Martin from the day he was admitted, and all the outstanding nurses and aides who provided such loving care to Martin and his family.

The Goldberg family has entrusted Martin’s care to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell.

Services will be held 11 a.m. June 22, 2025, at the chapel at Temple El Emeth Cemetery, directly behind the Jewish Community Center on the north side of Youngstown on Granada Avenue near the intersection of Guadalupe Avenue.

In lieu of flowers or food, the family requests that donations be made in Martin’s memory to Sons of The American Legion, Mahoning Valley Squadron 15, c/o 44 Centennial Drive, Poland, OH 44514, or in the alternative, please donate to the dessert table at the celebration of life being planned for a future date this fall.

Please visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the family.

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