Marvin Albert Goldberg

Marvin Goldberg, age 85, passed away on the morning of July 2, 2014. He died quietly in his home in Rancho Mirage. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Harriet Goldberg, his two sons, Mark & Scott, his grandson, Jonathan, and daughter-in-law Julie.

He was a man of all seasons, who was known for his ethics and integrity. He was known as a champion for the underdog a "social worker in disguise." Marvin grew up in Forrest Hills, NY, and played on the grass courts of Forrest Hills as a child. He later became the "Godfather" of tennis umpiring. He was certified by the M.T.C. as a "blue badge" umpire, and was one of the original 32 professional chair umpires at the U.S. Open. Marvin renewed his love for tennis in the early 1970s. A police sergeant for the City of Oakland at the time, he retired on a service related injury. Soon after his retirement, he opened up a tennis pro shop. He became much more involved in professional tennis, and was known for umpiring historic tennis matches. He traveled all over the world as a chair umpire for Davis Cup tennis, and was well known for enforcing rules in controversial matches between the era's greatest tennis stars. Marvin is also listed in the book "Who's Who in Tennis."

Goldberg was a veteran of the Korean War, and also served as a U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer. As a police sergeant, he served as a Vice Squad Leader and as an Arson/Fraud Investigator. These talents would serve him well later as a private investigator.

During his tenure as a police officer, he gained national attention during the Berkeley Riots and the "Black Panther" movement. His photograph appeared on the cover of "People Magazine" wheeling Eldridge Cleaver, the leader of the Black Panthers, into the hospital after the famous Oakland shootout.

After retiring from tennis umpiring, he found himself back righting wrongs; but this time, by investigating errant attorneys for the California State Bar Association. After his tenure at the State Bar, he opened his own private investigative business, primarily dealing with insurance fraud for prominent insurance companies.

He served as president of the Niles Rotary in Fremont, CA. He was a member of the Palm Springs Rotary and was a Mason/Shriner. Upon retiring to Palm Springs, he became a member of the O'Donnell Golf & Country Club.

Marvin was a member of the Har El Congregation in Palm Desert. Other accomplishments: Oakland Grand Jury, arbitrator for the courts, professor of criminology at Ohlone Community College, and a mentor and volunteer for many worthy causes.

Services will be held Tuesday, July 8th @ 12:00 PM, 69855 Ramon Rd, Cathedral City, CA 92234. (800) 204-3131.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.