Family Bids Heartbroken Adieu To Alvah 'Skip' Goldsmith

SOUTHOLD, NY — A well-loved Southold family is mourning the loss of their patriarch.

Alvah "Skip" B. Goldsmith, Jr. of Southold passed away on Saturday, November 9 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 85 years old.

Skip was born on August 19, 1939 in Greenport to Jeanette (née Cooper) and Alvah B. Goldsmith. He graduated from Southold High School with the Class of 1957. After high school, he attended Mohawk Valley Community College, where he attained his associate degree in 1959. After college, he enlisted with the United States Air Force and served from 1960 to 1964 during the Vietnam War.

On July 31, 1965 he married the love of his life Elizabeth A. (née Prussner) Goldsmith at Saint Andrews Lutheran Church in Garden City.

Together they had three children and made their home in Southold. In his professional career, Skip owned and operated Goldsmith’s Boat Shop in Southold for 60 plus years, where they recently celebrated 100 years in business. He was a 65-year member of the Southold Fire Department, a member of the American Legion Griswold-Terry-Glover Post 803 in Southold, a member of the Mason Peconic Lodge No.349 and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Southold.

Skip is survived by his wife Elizabeth; children Donna Bing of Riverhead, Craig Goldsmith of Southold and Glenn Goldsmith of Mattituck; grandchildren Jeffrey Laymon Jr., Landon Goldsmith and Reid Goldsmith; daughters-in-law Renee Goldsmith and Judy Goldsmith; and son-in-law Jonathan Bing.

"It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of Skip Goldsmith," his family wrote. "Skip was synonymous with Goldsmith’s Boat Shop for 85 years and was the epitome of hard work and dedication. His contributions to the business and the marine industry on the North Fork are immeasurable. While he is no longer with us, his legacy and the business that he poured his blood, sweat, and tears into will continue for another generation. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank Skip for everything he has done for us and wish him Fair Winds and Following Seas."

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold, where American Legion Post 803 services will be held at 7 p.m., followed by Southold Fire Department Firematic Services at 7:30 pm., and Masonic services at 8 p.m.

Funeral services will take place on Friday, November 15 at 10 a.m.. at the First Presbyterian Church of Southold, officiated by Reverend Doctor Peter J. Kelley.
Interment with U.S. military honors will follow at the Southold Presbyterian Cemetery, behind the church.