Obituary for Colonel (USAF, Retired) William M. “Goldie” Goldfein
Retired Air Force Colonel William “Goldie” Goldfein, passed away peacefully on 19 June 2019 in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 87. The world lost a true American patriot who loved his family, friends, and his country. He never lost his fighting spirit or his sense of humor. An esteemed pilot and career officer in the US Air Force, Goldie loved his military life. Above all though, he loved his family and was adored by his wife, three sons and their wives, six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
Colonel William M. Goldfein was born on 26 November 1931 in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota to Joseph William Goldfein and Sarah Samson. He attended Bancroft Elementary School and North High School in St. Paul, and graduated in 1949 from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, after moving there at the age of 16.
Following a brief enlistment in the US Navy Reserves, he entered into the US Air Force as an airman and a technician on guided missile systems. During this assignment, he was selected for the USAF Aviation Cadet Program, and began his pilot training in1952. Colonel Goldfein took his first assignment in the RF-80 Shooting Star. He also had the opportunity to fly many aircraft over his USAF career that spanned 33 years including: the RF-84F, RF-86F, F-100, RF-101, T-37, and F-4 aircraft accumulating more than 5,500 flying hours to include 400 combat hours in Southeast Asia during 216 combat missions.
He met Mary Vanni, a school teacher, in October 1955 at Yokota Air Base, Japan and they were married on 22 July 1956 in Lewiston, New York. They had three sons: Stephen, David, and Michael and served in numerous assignments around the world. During his time of service, he held various levels of command and staff. Additionally, he attended the USAF Air War College in 1974, while simultaneously receiving his Masters Degree from Troy State University. He retired in 1982 from Nellis AFB, Nevada as the Air Warfare Center’s Chief of Staff.
Colonel Goldfein remained in Las Vegas and worked for the Combined Federal Campaign and then the Link Simulation Division in Binghamton, New York, where he and Mary enjoyed ten years living near Montrose, Pennsylvania. They returned to Las Vegas again where they lived in Summerlin, in close proximity to Nellis AFB, where they continued to engage in base activities.
Finally, Goldie and Mary spent 12 years together enjoying independent living at Blue Skies of Texas West in San Antonio, Texas. They chose to move there where they have many resident friends with whom they have soldiered over the years. The social life they led and friends they made throughout the years is a testament to their generosity, dedication to their community, and love for people. Goldie was always known for his sharp wit, his engaging and infectious personality, and his ability to look at life philosophically. His adventurous spirit and fearless persona prevailed to the end. Goldie loved life, period. He will be sorely missed and no doubt he is soaring high in Heaven. God speed!
Colonel Goldfein is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Mary Vanni Goldfein, his sister Greta Honigsfeld, his sons Stephen (Jeanne), David (Dawn), and Michael (Carole). Goldie inspired his six grandchildren: Alexander Goldfein (Colleen), Travis Goldfein (Kara), Danielle Fleming (Reece), Diana Glass (Cameron), and Scotty and Hanna Goldfein. Goldie’s beloved great grandchildren include Addison, Sadie, and Hunter Goldfein, Ava Fleming, Raegan Glass, and Rory Goldfein. His parents and his sister, Shelley Goldfein, preceded him in death.