Recent Obituaries

Marvin Goldstein, of Ocean City, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, just days shy of his 91st birthday. He was a successful businessman who leaves the legacy of a loving family that brought him immense joy.

Born in Rosenhayn, New Jersey, on October 15, 1934, Marvin grew up in the close-knit community where he later started his business career. He was the longtime owner of Goldstein Brothers Meats before expanding his interests to include real estate investments, notably owning Delsea Woods Mobile Home Park.

Marvin was the devoted husband of Toby (nee Berkowitz) for 67 years. He and Toby raised their family in Vineland, New Jersey, before retiring to Ocean City.

Marvin is survived by his cherished wife, Toby, and their four children: Richard Goldstein (Kim) of Cambridge, MA; Lisa Nahmani (Menashe) of Linwood, NJ; Susan Goldstein (Paul) of Somerville, MA; and Ilene Levinson (Jeff) of Wynnewood, PA. His family tree continued to grow with 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who will carry his memory forward. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Evelyn Ezrine, of Baltimore, MD.

Known for his warm-hearted nature, Marvin leaves behind many fond memories for his family and friends. His success in business was matched only by the devotion he showed to his family, for whom he was a proud and supportive patriarch.

A Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 16th at 1pm from Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland. Interment will follow in Alliance Cemetery, Norma.

The family will be observing shiva for seven days following the burial.

ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in memory of Marvin be made to the Penn Medicine Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division in support of the research of Dr. Laura Dember. Please make checks payable to Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and include “Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division/Dr. Laura Dember Research” on the memo line or in an enclosed note, and send to Penn Medicine Development attn: Andrew Deal, 3535 Market St., Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Donations can also be made online at https://giving.apps.upenn.edu/fund?program=MED&fund=630322. Donations may also be directed to Congregation Beth Israel Congregation of Northfield, NJ.

Rita Jean Taggart, a beacon of love, life, laughter and good humor, passed away quietly and peacefully of natural causes on September 10, 2025, at the Autumn Lake Healthcare Center in Vineland, NJ. “Rita” as she was affectionately known to family and friends and “Bammer” to her grandkids and great grandkids was born on February 1, 1930, in Trenton, NJ, and grew up in nearby Camden. Rita’s life was a tapestry woven of many blessings and challenges but always lived with an unwavering commitment to make the very most out of her time on this earth.

Rita, was a proud graduate of Camden High School. She furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the NJ College for Women in 1951, which later became Douglass College and is now part of Rutgers University. Though she chose to fulfill her life in the role of a wife, mother, homemaker and friend, her impact on those around her was profound and far-reaching.

The daughter of the late Charles and Violet Brodsky, Rita was a beloved sister to Dr. Sidney Brodsky (Marilyn), Harry Brodsky (Joan), and Charlotte Hankin (Alfred), all of whom predeceased her. She was the cherished wife of the late Dr. Richard Pitel and subsequently the late John Taggart, both of whom helped to endow her with a life full of family, rich adventures, memories and milestones.

Rita’s greatest pride and ultimately her legacy was always her family. She is survived by her children, Dr. Mark Pitel (Ellen) of Bluffton, SC and Carolyn Larro (Anthony) of Vineland, NJ, who continue to embody the integrity and values she instilled in them. Her grandchildren, Dr. M. Robert Pitel, Richard Pitel, Debra Lutsky, and Maria Vena, along with her great-grandchildren, David Pitel, Alex Pitel, Marilee Medero and Sam Lutsky will always remember her for her warm smile, boundless energy and infectious spirit.

Rita faced many challenges throughout her long life but always embraced them with humility, grace and without complaining. Through it all, she never lost her love of chocolate, nor her sense of humor and could always be counted on to share advice when requested or to just listen when someone needed a non-judgmental ear.

She was laid to rest next to her first husband, Dr. Richard Pitel, in a private ceremony in Alliance Cemetery, Norma, NJ on September 14, 2025. Rest in peace, dear Rita, knowing that your final story is written and shared with much thanks, admiration and love.