"I remember David fondly. My husband and I saw him at Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Every time we saw each other David would joke with me I thought his humor was unique. I will miss him. God speed David"
In loving memory of
Stanley David Greenberg
September 16, 1940 - May 12, 2018
Stanley "David" Greenberg, age 77 of Plantation, Florida passed away in the comfort of home on May 12, 2018, at 8:45 PM. He was surrounded by his family as he took his last breath in this life. Loving and devoted partner of 42 years to deceased Francis "Frank" P. Mahoney, Uncle to Erin Mahoney, Ted Mahoney, and Colleen Baxter. He is survived by Nephew Jacob Greenberg and Niece Marguerite Greenberg of California. He is also survived by his husband William "Dave" Clark and his daughter Savannah Rhayn Clark.
David was a member of the military and served in the US Army, before embarking on a long career as co-owner of his family's scrap metal business, Irving Rubber and Metal in Brooklyn, NY. Later in life, he retired to Florida to care for his parents, Abraham and Marguerite Greenberg of Hallandale Beach, Florida. After some time, he opened his own bookstore in Davie, Florida and that became his pride and joy. He found many lifelong friends along the way in that endeavor. Later, he became an avid world traveler and connoisseur of the small things in life that are important. David taught those around him the value of unconditional, non-judgmental love and forgiveness; not only forgiveness of others, but forgiveness of self.
He was often a quiet contemplator and observer of the joyful things that are around us every day. David lived his life in a way that allowed him to be able to bask in the beauty that was around him and not focus on the things that didn't matter. As a best friend, companion, and husband to Stanley David, I was able to see a side of him that few people get the chance to truly see, a glimpse into his heart, of his desire to be kind, thoughtful, considerate, compassionate, caring, loving, and forgiving human being. I knew his heart. He showed it to me in so many ways, and I am a better man for it. He truly loved his family and his friends with all of his heart. I saw it in his countenance, in his memories, and his smile. David had a quote that he carried in his wallet: "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!"
Despite the trials he endured and the struggles with his own health, he embraced life and the opportunity to live it to its fullest while there was still time to be present in the moment.
We will all miss you Stanley David, but your memory will live on in our hearts, and remind us of who we are and who we can become when the small things are tended to in such a way that it allows us to experience true joy. Thank you for your precious gift to all of us of your time here on this Earth. We love you, Stanley David Greenberg.
Tributes
"Funeral for Stanley David Greenberg will take place Monday May 21, 2018 at 10am at Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Stanley will be laid to rest next to his Grandma Anna Goldstein, his parents Abraham and Marguerite Greenberg, brother Alan Greenberg, Grandparents Harry and Bessie Greenberg, and many other dear loved ones that preceded his own passing. These ancestors made such an impact in his life that enabled him to be the man he was to all of those around him. The opportunities that were provided to Stanley were a result of much hard work and sacrifice. From the ancestral grounds of Europe and many difficult times due to their cherished Jewish heritage, to the long trek to America, the journey of those who passed on before him provided a structure of love and support for all of those involved in his life on this great continent. May the family remember these sacrifices on their behalf. Stanley's Grandma Bessie Klein Greenberg traversed the Atlantic Ocean from Poland, a young lady with dreams of saving her family. She married Harry Greenberg, who immigrated from Russia and together built a legacy of financial strength and love of God and heritage. Their children were Abraham, Irving, and Hanna. Stanley's maternal Grandfather, Alexander Goldstein of Russia, traveled here from Paris, leaving behind an expectant wife Anna, to complete his training as a Dentist, who then traveled back to France to bring his young family to America to start their exciting new life. Shortly after arriving, Alexander passed away in the flu epidemic of 1920 and Grandma Anna did everything she could to provide for their young daughter Marguerite Toby Greenberg the best she could. She sewed buttons on clothes in a sweat shop in Brooklyn until she earned enough money to move out of her Sister's apartment and get her own. Through all of these sacrifices, Abraham met Marguerite and they were married June 26, 1934. Together, they brought two beautiful sons, Alan and Stanley into the world. The rest of the story can be told through many cherished memories of those still living amongst us. The one thing that makes us who we are is family. It runs deep in our blood, courses through our veins and allows our hearts to beat to the rhythm of love, sacrifice, and heritage. May we all take the time to sit with those still amongst us, to gain strength and gratitude of these cherished values of family. Life is so short. Embrace the good times, forgive the bad times and love each other unconditionally. We owe it to those that have passed on before us, to the little ones that are in our care, but most importantly to ourselves. Stanley loved his family. The night before he left this world, I asked him what was the most important thing he has learned in his life... He looked at me with those beautiful blue eyes and said, "how to truly love"- Stanley David Greenberg."
"So sorry for your loss. I am so happy to have reconnected with him these last few years. I spent a lot of time with him and Francis many years ago. They were a wonderful loving couple. I am so happy that he found love with you, Dave. Glad to have gotten to know you & spend time with you both. He lived his life the way he wanted, and went out the way he wanted. He had a circle of love around him."
"So sorry for your loss. May fond memories be a blessing to you and all who knew him. Ronda and Brian Cantor"