Louis Goldstein

Louis Goldstein of Liberty, NY, a longtime area resident, died Monday, April 2, 2012 at Achieve Rehab and Nursing Facility, Liberty, NY. He was 90.

The son of the late Max and Esther Goldstein, he was born September 8, 1921 in Poland.

Louis arrived in the U.S. at five years of age and lived in Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, NY and schooled at Eastern District and on to College at LIU. He became quite a notable basketball player there - which actually brought him to the Catskills famous resort of Grossinger's. His career was varied as an Activities and Entertainment Director where he honed his comedy shows and his famous version of the "Simon Says" games. Lou debuted on TV's "Be Our Guest" with George DeWitt in 1960 and continued doing many television shows, the likes of "Mike Douglas", ABC "Celebrity Superstars", "ABC Superstars", "John Davidson Show", "Rick Dees Show", "Merv Griffin", "Dick Clark Show", and the Emmy Award Winning "Battle of the Networks Stars", and "Kids Are People Too", "Wonderama", and "Canadian Superstars", all over 125 television appearances - Many shows for various churches, synagogues, and corporate businesses and organizations for charity. Lou had many special moments in his show - Big Years - mainly working for Eunice Kennedy Shriver and "Special Olympics" in Washington, DC with all the stars in various walks of life - He cherished those children and being with them when a small feat was a big win.

His years at Grossinger's span from 1948-1986 when those gates closed - During those years he began doing the half-time shows for the NBA teams all over the country - likewise the NHL and baseball games all featured his nationally known "Simon Says". He enjoyed doing these shows at all the Catskills Resorts, Pines, Concord, Nevele, Paramount, Granit, Swan Lake, and the Raleigh for over 15 years - an icon of this area - he "made them laugh" everywhere he appeared.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Ann Horner aka Jackie; a brother, Bill Goldstein; as well as his nephews, Edward Steinman and Karl Steinman; nieces, Sharon Lombardi and Marilyn Lipkins, all of Long Island, NY. Louis is also survived by his sister-in-law, Esther Smith of Baltimore, MD and her four children: Karen, Henry, Lou Ann, and Gloria, in various states; likewise ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and his many other nieces and nephews.

Lou was predeceased by two sisters, Rose Steinman and Lena Steinman.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 4 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Harris Funeral Home West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY. Funeral services will be Thursday, April 5, at 1 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in White Sulphur Springs, NY.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY. 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 or Harris-FH.com