Michael Robert Goldstein

HOLDEN - Michael Robert Goldstein, 80, passed away surrounded by his wife and daughters on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Mike was born and raised in Worcester, son of the late Maurice and Ethel (Hurwitz) Goldstein.

He graduated from Classical High School in 1963 and the University of Pennsylvania in 1967, earning a B.A. in English. He continued with his graduate studies at Assumption College, WPI and Temple University.

Mike began his career as a language arts and head teacher at Penncrest High School in Pennsylvania. After moving back to Massachusetts, he worked as a Sales Manager for Deer Polymer in Holden, MA before starting his own plastics distributing company Protech Plastics. Before retirement, Mike spent 12 years as an adjunct professor at Quinsigamond Community College.

Michael was a longtime Central Mass high school basketball referee and a board member of IAABO (International Association of Approved Basketball Officials). With Phyllis, his wife, he established the AVID North Scholarship Fund.

Mike traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world, for business and with Phyllis. He was an avid reader of history and a Red Sox fan. He loved to golf, spend time with friends and family and enjoyed watching his grandkids play sports.

He leaves his wife of 57 years, Phyllis (Scherzer) Goldstein; their children, Laura Goldstein of Chicago, IL; Sara (Nathan) Zaientz of Wethersfield, CT, and Rebecca (Joseph) Hayes of Merrimack, NH and his grandchildren, Sadie and Mollie Zaientz and Jackie and Matthew Hayes. He also leaves his sister, Ruth Gail Angorn and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be on Wednesday March 11th, at 10am at Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Drive in Worcester. Burial to follow at B’nai Brith Cemetery, 55 St. Johns Road in Worcester. Following the burial the family will be returning for shiva at the clubhouse at Halstead Holden (90 Central Park, Holden) until 4pm.  Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Quinsigamond Community College Library in Michael’s name through the following link: QCC.edu/giving.