Harold Frank Goldsmith's Obituary
Dr. Harold F. Goldsmith—beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025 at the age of 97.
Harold was born on August 23, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to Oliver Joseph Goldsmith and Francis (Fannie Kazer) Goldsmith. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 72 years, Carol A. (Pilzer) Goldsmith; and his siblings, Robert Goldsmith, Victor Stotland, Harold Stotland, and Eleanor (Stotland) Miller.
From an early age, Harold demonstrated a strong work ethic and intellectual curiosity. His first job was a paper route, which he started around the age of 10. Later he worked at a local ice cream parlor. These early jobs led him to develop two of his lifelong hobbies: collecting old coins and stamps from around the world.
After graduating from Sullivan High School in 1946, Harold earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in June 1949 and a Master’s degree in Sociology in 1954, both from the University of Chicago. While working on his master’s degree, he met the love of his life, Carol A. Pilzer. They were married on September 13, 1953 in Chicago and went on to build a devoted partnership that lasted more than seven decades. Together they raised two children, Leo Kent Goldsmith and Deborah M. (Goldsmith) Weller.
Harold served in the Illinois National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve before being called to active duty in March 1953. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina from October 1953 to September 1955, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class.
Following his military service, Harold and Carol moved to East Lansing, Michigan, where Harold attended Michigan State University and earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology and Anthropology in September 1961. They later moved to State College, Pennsylvania, where Harold completed postdoctoral research at Pennsylvania State University. He subsequently accepted a position at the National Institute of Mental Health in Maryland, where he worked for 34 years before retiring in 1997.
One of Harold’s greatest joys growing up was sailing on Lake Michigan. He was a member of the Rainbow Fleet, a Chicago Parks program that taught boys how to build their own sailboats during the winter and sail them in the summer. His boat, fittingly named Lucky Star, was a source of great pride. As a teenager, he spent many summers working on Lake Michigan, racing and cruising other people’s boats.
Harold was an avid reader with a deep love of learning. He delighted in sharing his passion for books with family and friends and believed in the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. He relished lively debates and thoughtful discussions, always eager to exchange ideas and explore new perspectives.
His grandchildren hold especially fond memories of time spent with him—visits to museums, earning pennies from his bottomless bucket of coins, frequent trips to bookstores, and conversations that sparked curiosity and wonder. Harold was also famously an early riser. Though his grandchildren often tried to wake up before him, he was invariably already awake, ready to greet them and the day. As they got older, they came to appreciate his dry sense of humor and his generosity in books and knowledge.
A proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Harold was steadfast in his support of his children and grandchildren. In retirement, some of his happiest moments were spent playing with his grandchildren and enjoying time with family. Some especially meaningful moments were introducing him to each of his three great-granddaughters.
Though a self-proclaimed curmudgeon, Harold will be remembered for his intellect, curiosity, kindness, and enduring devotion to those he loved.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date and location.
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