Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Gary Golden Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Gary was born in New York City, to the late Sheldon and Rita (Turek) Golden, and was raised in Connecticut. Gary received his bachelor's degree from Marietta College in 1970. His fondest memory of that period was his attendance at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair between his junior and senior year. He received a master's degree from Ohio University in 1971, a second master's from the University of Kentucky in 1974, and a Ph.D. in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1983. He was a college librarian in the University of Illinois system for several years before joining the faculty of Rutgers University as the Director of the Paul Robeson Library at Rutgers-Camden. Gary held that position for 30 years until he retired in 2016.
Shortly after moving to New Jersey in 1986, Gary met the love of his life, Paula, whom he married in 1992. Gary became the stepfather to Paula's two children, Philip and David. Gary and Paula went on trips throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; they regularly attended theater and concerts in Philadelphia and New York; and had frequent dinners out with friends. They also loved to visit U.S. national parks, building on Gary's love of nature and animals. Gary was an active member of Temple Sinai in Cinnaminson, New Jersey.
Gary is survived by his wife Paula (Greenberg) Golden, sons Philip Bigge (Patricia Bigge) and David Bigge (Kristy Tillman), grandchildren Kathryn, Samuel, and Nathaniel, brothers Richard Golden (Judy Klein-Golden) and David Golden (Steve Knapheide), and a large and loving extended family.
Relatives and friends are invited Monday, May 2, 2022 beginning 11:30 AM to Platt Memorial Chapel, 2001 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 where funeral services will begin promptly at 12:00 noon. Shiva will be held at the residence on May 2nd and May 3rd. Donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org), or to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Grace Agnew
May 6, 2022
I worked with Gary for 15 years. He was very devoted to the Robeson Library and the students of Rutgers-Camden. He was a leader and visionary in terms of library design and technology, always with the goal of improving the student experience. When I would visit the Robeson Library, I was always impressed with how many students knew Gary personally and how their faces lit up when they saw him. In a field populated by people dedicated to students, Gary stood out. He turned the Robeson Library into a large family gathering. That personal approach to student interaction was reflected in the faculty and staff Gary hired. The Robeson Library recently implemented an innovative "personal librarian" program to help freshmen transition to college research. I can´t help but see Gary´s legacy in that program, with all respect and credit to current management and faculty. Gary created the atmosphere that the Robeson Library is the home away from home waiting to welcome you, and his legacy endures.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
2001 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Make a Donation
in Gary Golden's name
People and places connected with Gary
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gary Golden's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
