Tribute to Bill Goldberg: Mr. Diamond!
Father's Day (June 18, 2006.) will be a very special day for those of us in the Diamond Industry here in New York.
New York City will honor the legendary Bill Goldberg by renaming East 48th Street, between Fifth and Madison avenues, as William Goldberg Way. The street renaming ceremony will take place at noon on June 18.
"He was the face of our industry for so long, a father to so many more than just us," said Goldberg's daughter Eve, who is also the vice president of sales and marketing of the William Goldberg Diamond Corporation.
"My father was the most incredible teacher," she said, "I know my father would be very proud."
Undoubtedly William Goldberg would also be proud of how his family continues to carry on his vision. "My father taught us the importance of integrity, honesty and how essential it was to love what we do," said Goldberg's son Saul, who is the president of the firm. "His passion and charisma was infectious. This memorial to my father is such a tribute to his life."
Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) is expected to join the Goldberg family for the dedication ceremony. The sign will sit just below the building of William Goldberg's corporate offices where Goldberg worked to build his company into a prestigious diamond house.
William Goldberg served as the president of the New York Diamond Dealers Club from 1978-1984, and he is given much credit for supporting women in the diamond industry, opening up the Dealers Club to the media, and making 47th Street a safer and cleaner business area. He was also known for his philanthropic efforts raising funds for the United Jewish Appeal, the Gesher Foundation, Yeshiva University, and the American Society of Yad Vashem.
Known for his love of beautiful stones, William Goldberg founded his own company in 1973 after he split off from Goldberg & Weiss. The company continues with the next generation -- run by his wife Lili and children, and son-in-law Barry Berg. His daughter Deborah also worked by his side for more than 20 years.
"Bill had the greatest ability to make an impression on someone," said Berg, "even if he met them for a short period of time." Berg is vice president of William Goldberg. "He always had something interesting to say, and it always made an impact."
The William Goldberg brand is synonymous with the most renowned gemstones in history, including the extraordinary Premier Rose, the 137 carat 'D' flawless pear shaped diamond, the 89 carat Guinea Star, and the 5.11 carat Red Shield, the largest red diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America.
I had the privilege of polishing and cutting in Bill Goldberg's factory for ten years. A truly incredible Man. May his Memory be a Blessing.
Comments
wot is your email adress
Posted by: hishaam on April 14, 2007 10:48 AM
your father was a great man and will always be remembered by me for his kindness.
Posted by: Rita BONIFATI on August 12, 2008 8:01 PM