In Remembrance: Bruce Goldman ’73MPH Died on September 16 2020

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On Wednesday, September 16, 2020, Bruce Goldman, loving father of two children, passed away from sepsis at Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bruce was born on January 12, 1950, at Chestnut Hill Hospital, the oldest child of Otha Goldman Jr. and Grace Diane (Lee) Goldman.

Raised in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Bruce graduated from Germantown High School in 1967. He went on to attend Defiance College for one year (1967–68) before transferring to Lincoln University (’71), where he was involved in many activities, including hosting a radio show under the moniker “Cousin Brucie.” The nickname “Cuz” would follow him throughout his life.

Bruce received a bachelor of arts degree in economics from Lincoln University. He then attended Yale University School of Public Health (’73), where he received a master’s of public health in hospital and health care facilities administration management. He had a long career as an administrator at various hospitals in the New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, areas, bringing better-quality health care to underserved communities. He retired in 2014. 

After retirement, Bruce pursued entrepreneurial interests in the medicinal marijuana field, first founding AGRiMED, and then eventually selling that company and founding Sativeo Investors, LLC.

While attending Lincoln University, he met Rita Paulette Jiggetts. They were married on August 13, 1972. Their union lasted 22 years and produced two children, Kara Paulette and Justin Bradley.

Bruce enjoyed good conversation and the company of people, as can be witnessed by his large network of friends and family. He loved a spirited debate and could discuss his favorite subjects for hours. He also enjoyed sports, a hobby he shared with his son, and had become an avid golfer until persistent back problems prevented him from being active. He would often swim at his athletic club’s pool, which provided comfort for his back and collegiality with other club members. 

Bruce also enjoyed food and cooking, a hobby he shared with his daughter. People always looked forward to his contributions to cookouts and gatherings. He especially loved grilling and for a short time even owned Cuz’s, a barbecue restaurant that specialized in smoked ribs.

Bruce was preceded in death by his mother, Diane, and his father, Otha. He is survived by his two children, Kara and Justin; his companion, Charlene; his brother Naim; his former wife and the mother of his children, Rita; and a multitude of family, friends, and colleagues.

—Submitted by the family.