Remembering Richard Goldstein

Richard Goldstein
(March 27, 1928 - March 6, 2023)

Renowned mechanical engineer and educator Richard J. Goldstein passed away on March 6, 2023, at age 94. He came to the University of Minnesota Mechanical Engineering Department in 1950 to study for a master’s degree, eventually earning a PhD and then joining the faculty in 1961. In all, Goldstein was a part of the department — whether as a graduate student, faculty member, or researcher — for nearly 70 years.

Goldstein was an active member of the department, serving as professor, researcher, and department head. He advised 74 doctoral and 82 master’s students, and was still advising students at the time of his death. His work in heat transfer took him all over the world and led to more than 300 publications. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1985 “for his outstanding contributions in heat transfer measurement techniques and in film cooling, leading to improved efficiency of gas turbines.”

In addition to his work, Goldstein was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, an avid traveler, and a solar eclipse chaser, among other varied interests.
 

Obituary

See a list of honors along with recent publications and research at goldstein.umn.edu