Franklin Jay Goldberg

Franklin Jay Goldberg, born July 1, 1946, in Queens, New York, passed away peacefully in Tucson, Arizona on August 24, 2025. Predeceased by his wife, Katherine, and brother, Jonathan, Franklin is survived by his children, Matthew (Katie) and Joanna Goldberg (Michael Moore); grandchildren, Charlie and Annie; partner, Gail Marcus-Orlen; extended family, and innumerable friends.

Born to Morris and Rosalind (née Rosenstock) Goldberg, Franklin considered himself a proud son of Kew Gardens, NY and always held dear a youth spent causing mischief in the neighborhood, developing a love for sports, and building friendships in the park that would become lifelong bonds. Franklin consistently recalled fond and thorough details of his childhood, especially those that made each person with whom he interacted unique and special.

Franklin graduated from Long Island University and put his education to use in public accounting for the majority of his early career. In 1980, he married Katherine Muratore and relocated to the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA, inevitably seeing the light and becoming a Philadelphia sports fan. During their marriage of 30+ years, Franklin and Kathy enjoyed holidays and vacations, savored delicious meals (usually prepared by Kathy), and created an environment of safety, kindness, and acceptance in their circle. The most enduring legacy of their partnership remains their children. Franklin was an exceptional model of a loving, present, and supportive dad, and the closeness with his children only strengthened as they aged together.

Franklin came to work at Electro-Science Laboratories in King of Prussia, PA, where he rose to the position of Director of Finance and Human Resources and happily (most days) spent the bulk of his career. Although it was later in his professional life, Franklin flourished in a role where he was positioned to help people, and in doing so, realized his best self as someone with whom others naturally felt comfortable and valued.

After Kathy suddenly passed away, Franklin worked to rebuild his world, eventually retired, and in his later years found immense joy. He rekindled a friendship from his youth with Gail and moved to Tucson to be with her in a life filled with love, laughter, and crossword puzzles. He discovered golf which equally frustrated and delighted him. He overcame his fear of cooking and amazed others with his creations. And he found incredible happiness as a Pop-Pop to his two beloved grandchildren.

If there is such a thing as a “happy death,” this is how Franklin left this world; he was healthy and content and never knew or felt anything differently. His final days were spent in the presence of loved ones, surrounded by his favorite music, laughter, and stories about his profound and lasting impact.

Franklin will be remembered as a joker, a sage, a mediator, a mnemonist, a bon vivant, a mensch, an artist’s muse, a lifelong learner, a true friend, a pillar of comfort, and a man who made everything feel easier. His legacy is the void he leaves in so many hearts that felt happier in his company and the countless memories his loved ones will cherish forever.