CVE Remembers Longtime Leader Gene Goldman

Residents and organizations across Century Village East mourned the loss over the summer of one of its elder statesmen. Eugene (Gene) Goldman lost his battle against cancer in July.

Gene was a long-serving member of the CVE Master Management Board of Directors and a leader who played a crucial role in shaping the community's development. Gene was widely known for his dedication, vision, and leadership over many years.

At the September CVE Master Management Board of Directors meeting, an empty space at the Board table marked Gene’s absence as several individuals paid tribute.

“Gene was a good friend, and a mentor to me,” said CVE Master Management Board President Eli Okun. “He had an unbelievable knowledge of the history of our village that always proved invaluable in guiding our leadership and all of us in making decisions.”

“He will be missed by me and by my family. He was the true definition of the word volunteerism. He gave his time. He gave his attention,” said Val Smikle, Executive Director of CVE Master Management.

Gene’s involvement with CVE Master Management began well over a decade ago, eventually leading him to serve as Secretary of the Board in 2015. He later held two terms as President in 2016 and 2017, and most recently, he resumed the role of Secretary. Throughout his tenure, Gene was recognized as a guiding force behind many of the village’s most significant initiatives, including long-term infrastructure projects that continue to benefit residents today.

“Gene was my friend, and I am proud to say that,” said Rita Pickar, President of the CenClub Board of Directors.

Standing alongside Gene’s wife Doris Goldman during the recent CenClub meeting, Pickar called Gene not only a gentleman, but also a gentle man.

Pickar announced plans to place Gene on the Clubhouse’s Hall of Fame, series of plaques outside the theater honoring notable village residents.  She made the announcement holding the plaque bearing his name which has since become part of the wall.  CenClub officials had decided before he died to honor Gene, but said they didn’t have a summer meeting to announce it before his death. Gene is the 41st individual to receive the honor, and the first since 2020.

“Gene was one of the people that I always looked forward to seeing here at the meetings,” said CenClub Executive Director Mike Burdman. Cenclub also announced plans to plant a tree in his honor.  The placement of the tree will be close to the Grantham area where Gene lived and served as area chair. Meanwhile, CVE Master Management officials say they are also working on ways to honor Gene’s service.

One of Gene’s most important contributions to CVE was the creation of its first comprehensive long-term plan. When other organizations in the village were focused on short-term operations, Gene recognized the need for a roadmap that would steer the community through the coming decade. His leadership resulted in a 10-year plan that laid the groundwork for substantial improvements in the village’s infrastructure and amenities.

Under his direction, CVE embarked on a major seven-year effort to repair and resurface the village’s roadways, a project that was completed in 2022. Gene also played a key role in the construction of the new entrance gatehouses and the perimeter wall, which now serve as protective and aesthetic enhancements for the entire community.

Another project that Gene spearheaded was the installation of a village-wide irrigation system, which transformed the village’s once-dry landscapes into lush, green spaces. This large-scale improvement has become one of the defining features of CVE, significantly enhancing its appearance and the quality of life for residents.

Gene’s leadership within CVE was built on a foundation of public service. Before moving to Century Village East, he had a distinguished career in New Jersey, where he retired as Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the New Jersey State Department of Education. His background in policy and planning provided him with the knowledge and skills to guide CVE through complex decisions and long-term strategies.

In addition to his work on the Master Management Board, Gene was actively involved in many other aspects of village governance. He held leadership positions in various organizations, including serving on the Grantham C Board of Directors and as a key member of COOCVE committees. His deep knowledge of the community’s operations and history made him an invaluable resource to fellow board members and residents alike.