Martin Goldberg; was dean at Temple

Martin Goldberg, 82, of Mount Airy, an internal-medicine physician and former Temple University dean of medicine, died Sunday, June 15, at Artman Lutheran Home in Ambler of a neural degenerative disease.

Dr. Goldberg was an authority in the field of kidney disease, having published more than 200 research articles.

His career encompassed multifaceted roles as a scientist, clinician, teacher, and administrator.

"He was so kind, so competent, so professional," said his wife, Marion. "That's why we called him a four-star general."

Dr. Goldberg earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Temple in 1951 and graduated at the top of his class from Temple Medical School in 1955.

Over his career, Dr. Goldberg served at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 1959 to 1979 and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center from 1979 to 1986. He was appointed dean of the Temple School of Medicine in 1986.

In 1989, he returned to a full-time role as a nephrologist, professor of medicine, and educator who designed a computer program on electrolytes. He received honors such as the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching and the Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award from Temple's medical alumni.

Dr. Goldberg was the youngest child of Yiddish-speaking immigrant parents, his father a tailor by night, a garment worker by day.

He grew up in the Strawberry Mansion and West Mount Airy sections.

He was influenced by the Sinclair Lewis novel Arrowsmith, which depicts the dramatic career of a brilliant doctor.

Dr. Goldberg at times would sing folk music to charm his family members, according to relatives.

In addition to his wife, Dr. Goldberg is survived by daughters Meryl Gibbons, Karen, and Dara; a son, David; and two grandchildren.

Private burial services were Thursday, June 20. Memorial donations may be made to Temple University Medical School, Department of Nephrology, 3401 N. Broad St., Fourth Floor Parkinson Pavilion, Suite 410, Philadelphia 19140.