Dr. Richard J. Goldstein Obituary (1928 - 2023)

Richard J. Goldstein—beloved father, professor, researcher, and colleague passed away on March 6, 2023, in Minneapolis at the age of 94. A renowned mechanical engineer and academic, Richard’s contributions to heat transfer measurement techniques and film cooling led to improved efficiency in gas turbines and many other thermal systems. Richard loved black coffee, the Minnesota Vikings, the theatre and classical music, traveling with his children, and chasing solar eclipses. His passion for engineering and education provided lifelong energy and inspiration. In fact, he was still on Zoom calls with his students and engineering societies in recent weeks. Dr. Goldstein was born in New York City on March 27, 1928, and graduated from Stuyvesant High School (1944). He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University (1948) and went on to complete his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (1950) and Physics (1951) from the University of Minnesota. He joined Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a Development Engineer in 1951, serving afterward in the US Army as a first lieutenant for two years. Richard returned to the University of Minnesota in 1956 and received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, joining the University’s faculty in 1961. Richard served as a professor, researcher, and department head in the coming years and was named James J. Ryan and Regents’ Professor Emeritus of the Heat Transfer Laboratory in the mechanical engineering department. Richard’s recognitions include multiple honorary doctoral degrees, membership in the National Academy of Engineering and serving as president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, president of the International Centre for Heat and Mass Transfer, and president of the Assembly for International Heat Transfer Conferences. During his more than 65-year academic career, Richard’s work was presented in more than 300 publications and his books, including two on Fluid mechanics measurements (1983 and 1996), as well as his many fundamentals and applications oriented research papers, continue to be foundational for engineering students. Some of Richard’s proudest work was creating opportunities for others. He advised 74 doctoral and 82 master’s students, and many visiting and postdoctoral scholars. He directed the development of an outstanding teaching, research, and service-oriented program at the University, which was ranked in the highest echelons of mechanical engineering departments around the world. Predeceased by his wife, Barbara. Survived by his former wife, Nancy, and their children, Arthur, Jonathan (Robbin), Ben (Barbara) and Naomi (Luis); grandsons, David and Emmett; and sister, Carol. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on WEDNESDAY, March 8th at BETH EL SYNAGOGUE, 5225 Barry St., W., St. Louis Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Minneapolis Jewish Federation. Shiva service at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Monday at 4241 Bassett Creek Dr., Golden Valley. Funeral and Shiva available on Zoom: www.tinyurl.com/RichardGoldstein. People are encouraged to visit the family from 1pm- 3pm on Thursday, Sunday and Monday at the same address.