of West Palm Beach, FL
August 2, 1928 - November 27, 2021
C. Gerald (Gerry) Goldsmith passed away Saturday, November 27, 2021 in West Palm Beach, Florida at the age of 93.
Gerry was a son of the South. Shortly after the Civil War, Gerry's grandparents settled in Trenton, Arkansas in the northern reaches of Philips County.
Gerry was born on August 2, 1928, the second son of Sadie and George Seeman Goldsmith, Sr. After Gerry's father's sudden death at age 36, Gerry and his older brother George Jr. were raised in the household of his aunt Retta Goldsmith Solomon and her husband Lafe Solomon in Helena, Arkansas.
Gerry left the South to attend The Culver Military Academy and later graduated from the University of Michigan and the Harvard Business School. His business career spanned Wall Street, Real Estate, and Banking.
He was Chairman of Palm Beach Bank and Trust and served on the board of Cypress Trust. He was active in the Palm Beach community serving on the Police Retirement Board, Town Council, and several Review Boards. In his 80s Gerry ran for Mayor of Palm Beach and lost by one vote!
An avid golfer, Gerry won the Club Championship at the Palm Beach Country Club and was instrumental in making course improvements over the years. He was a member of Palm Beach Country Club, Deepdale Golf Club, Century Country Club, and Trump International Golf Club.
His previous three marriages ended in divorce. He is survived by his 4 children, Andrew, Alice and her husband David, John and his wife Alicia, Colin and his husband Patrick, and 7 grandchildren: Jack, Max, Evelyn, Lily, Gillian, Jenna, and Chess.
Rabbi Debra Kassoff will preside over a graveside service for the family at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 6, 2021 at Beth El Cemetery in Helena where Gerry will be interred amidst three generations of his ancestors.
Donations in his name may be made to: Institute of Southern Jewish Life, P.O. Box 16528, Jackson, MS 39236 and/or Temple Beth El Cemetery Fund c/o Billings Bookkeeping 302 Cherry St, #404 Helena, AR 72342.
Services are directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
Sign Guestbook
11 Condolence(s)
Roni. Goldsmith jacobson
Saturday, December 9, 2023
You were the very. Best
I wish I could bring you back
Elizabeth Murphy LoConte
Monday, February 27, 2023
Gerry was a kind, wise, gentleman. I enjoyed his stories about his life. He was an egalitarian public servant and an asset to the Town of Palm Beach.
Regine and Bill Diamond
Saturday, December 11, 2021
Dear Gerry
Regine and I want to thank you again for selling us your beautiful Palm Beach home at 220 Wells Road where we have lived happily for nearly twenty years.
You were a true southern gentleman and a good friend,
We miss you a lot.
with much love
Bill
d
Regine and Bill Diamond
Friday, December 10, 2021
Dear Gerry
It was one of the great pleasures of our lives in Palm Beach was getting to know you well.
We will always appreciate that you sold us your beautiful Palm Beach home 220 Wells Road where Regine and I have lived happily for nearly twenty years.
You were a great asset to the Town of Palm Beach in so many ways but best of all you were a great
friend.
We will miss you a lot.
With much love>
Regine and Bill
Blair Brandt
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Gerry was a Palm Beach legend who went decades and generations back with my family, I was also inspired to see him even in his older years, so active, social, and playing golf. Sometimes I thought he had more energy than me, and it was always fun to run into him when out on the town. I can’t picture Palm Beach without Gerry, but will have to find a way! He was always very supportive and encouraging, a mentor to many. We will truly miss him and I’m glad I had a chance to know him.
Martin Klein
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Gerry was the finest human being. A true friend. A devoted community member. I was blessed to know him and will miss him forever. We will all be better if we can emulate Gerry. Rest In Peace my friend. You made all of better by your selflessness.
Robert and Nancy Wildrick
Monday, December 6, 2021
He cared about his family, friends and community. Golf was his passion and he was always willing to play a few holes. He always dressed and acted in a gentlemanly manor. His quick mind and friendship is something we cherished and will dearly miss, as will many many others.
God bless you Gerry,
Bob and Nancy Wildrick
Randy Nielsen
Monday, December 6, 2021
Gerry was one of the most interesting people I´ve ever met in my life. I was blessed with the opportunity to know him later in his life. I grew to understand the admirable personal qualities that gave him such a wide circle of true friends. He was so proud of his family´s roots and each of his children and grandchildren. A life well lived, indeed.
Michael Scharf
Sunday, December 5, 2021
First met Gerry in 1967 when I was at Harvard Business School and he helped me on my thesis about Freeport development. 14 years ago we reconnected at PBCC. A real gentleman, kindhearted, and personality plus! Will really miss him.
Fred Dortmann
Friday, December 3, 2021
Our deepest sympathy
jim mayer
Thursday, December 2, 2021
You are in our thoughts and prayers . Your family were so special to Helena and every where Gerry was. Jim, Clarence, Maxine& Ruth Mayer