In Loving Memory of Dr. Jay Jerold Goldberg

Dr. Jay Jerold Goldberg was born on August 26, 1936, in the Bronx, New York, and peacefully transitioned on February 16, 2026.

Jay was born to Gus and Betty Goldberg and was raised in a Reform Jewish household grounded in faith, service, and community. His father, Gus, was a traveling salesman, devoted Boy Scout leader, and Master Mason. His mother lovingly served as a den leader for Jay’s troop. From a young age, Jay accompanied his father throughout Manhattan, watching him build relationships with integrity and warmth. One of Jay’s favorite childhood memories was being invited each year to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from a client’s high-rise apartment — a testament to his father’s character and the respect he earned from others.

When Jay was a teenager, his parents packed up their belongings and drove across the country to begin a new chapter in California.

Jay attended Hamilton High School in the City of Los Angeles, where he participated in ROTC and formed lifelong friendships, later serving on his 50th reunion committee. Shortly after graduating, his father passed away from a heart attack. Though deeply affected by this loss, Jay chose to persevere and pursue higher education. He enrolled at Santa Monica College, where he famously flunked his first semester — a story he would later share to inspire others about resilience and second chances.

Determined to find his path, Jay joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Rendsburg, Germany. Though he rarely spoke in detail about his work, his children — Leilani and David — always suspected it may have involved espionage, a mystery that added to his quiet strength and intrigue.

After completing his service, Jay returned to California with renewed determination. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California and went on to receive both his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles — a testament to his discipline, intellect, and lifelong commitment to learning. During this time, he also volunteered with the Civil Air Patrol, the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force.

In the 1960s, while attending a Civil Air Patrol dance, Jay met the love of his life, Diane, lovingly known as Sherrie. They were married on November 26, 1964. November 2026 would have marked their 60th wedding anniversary — a beautiful legacy of devotion and partnership.

In 1969, Jay and Sherrie purchased a home in La Palma, California, where they became lifelong residents and devoted members of the community. Though unable to have biological children, they built their family through adoption — welcoming their daughter, Leilani, in 1972 and their son, David, in 1974. Jay was immensely proud of his children and the life  they built, carrying that pride quietly but deeply.

Jay built a distinguished career in aerospace, working with Hoffman Electronics Corp, Hughes Aircraft Company, and Lockheed Martin. He also shared his expertise by teaching technical writing at California State University, Fullerton, and California State University, Long Beach. Jay was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Mensa.

Jay had a deep love for learning and culture. He collected rocks, stamps, and coins, and had a profound appreciation for classical music, theater, history, and religious texts.

Yet above all, Jay’s greatest passion was service. He volunteered tirelessly in his community — serving on the Centralia School Site Council; chairing the Society for Technical Communication; serving as president of the Orange County Adoptive Parents Association; contributing annually to the La Palma Days Committee by writing the parade script; serving on the City of La Palma Traffic Committee; and faithfully acting as Watch Captain for Neighborhood Watch. He also served on the Kennedy High School Scholarship Foundation and supported the Cypress Pop Orchestra, founded by John Hall.

In recognition of his extraordinary commitment to community service, Jay was honored with the Americana Award from Cypress College as Citizen of the Year for La Palma — a distinction reflecting the profound and lasting impact he had on his city.

After retirement, he faithfully logged volunteer hours in classrooms at Los Coyotes Elementary School in La Palma, where his granddaughter attended — continuing his lifelong devotion to education and service.

Jay was also a proud Master Mason and longtime secretary of Solomon’s Lodge in Buena Park, and a member of the Shriners in Long Beach. Wherever there was an opportunity to serve, Jay answered the call.

Above all else, Dr. Goldberg was a devoted husband of nearly 60 years, a loving and steadfast father to Leilani and David, and an extraordinary grandfather. He was selfless, patient, kind, and deeply committed to his family. He was the very best father to his daughter, Leilani, and to his beloved son, David.

Dr. Jay Gerald Goldberg was preceded in death by his cherished son, David Goldberg, who passed away on January 8, 2026. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sherrie; his daughter, Leilani; his cherished granddaughter, Taylor; his son-in-law, Bruce; and extended family and friends whose lives are forever better because of him.

His life was one of quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and profound love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

“May his soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life.”תהא נשמתו צרורה בצרור החייםTehei nishmato tzerurah bitzror hachayim.