Walter Gordenstein
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Walter "Budgy" Gordenstein. B. 12/1930. D: 1/20/2021....and now the wood shop is now closed. A real renaissance man who lived a very full and rewarding life just celebrating his 90th birthday with his wife June and just a few days shy of his 66th wedding anniversary, along with his children Peter (Alex Novack) and Ron (Marcia) and their grandchildren Taylor, Harry and William. Budgy as most people know him was born in Springfield to Harry and Edythe (Steinberg). A brother, Robert of Newton Mass, predeceased him. He served his country well in the Navy stationed in New London and Newfoundland during the Korean War after going to Georgia Tech for engineering. Walter ran the family business started by his father and uncles in early 1900's and still run by his Ron now as Broadway Office Interiors. He achieved more professional fame as founding the largest office products buying group in America. He served as President and on boards of several organizations including Spectrum Home Health Care, Jewish Nursing Home and Crestview Country Club. He was an active member of Temple Beth-El and was involved in its rebuilding in 1967 and 2020. As an avid woodcraft person, he built many decorative objects and furniture for many institutions and friends. Not surprising to those that knew him, Walter was buried in a beautiful coffin that he made by hand 15 years ago. His ship models were museum quality and received international recognition and fame.
Walter was an introspective man but his words spoke volumes and he was very pragmatic in thought and deed. Until the end, he did the daily NYTimes crossword puzzles (online) and all types of logic games. Pretty good for a guy who had dyslexia. There was nothing Walter could not figure out how to repair, build or offer as an opinion. He was confident to many friends traveling in many circles. He was an avid jogger (Valley Athletic Club of the YMCA), pilot and even a trombone player. At the end of a long day, there was always a glass of scotch in his hand.
He leaves of legacy of kindness, generosity, humility, ethics and most important to him - a good name. Donations may be made to Jewish Geriatric Services 660 Converse St., Longmeadow, MA 01106, or Temple Beth-El 979 Dickinson St., Springfield, MA 01108. Burial and shiva were private. The Ascher-Zimmerman Funeral Home assisted the family.