Dr. Lawrence B. Golden

Dr. Lawrence B. Golden, 80, of Clarks Summit, died Saturday evening in the Oak Ridge Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Taylor with his family at his side.  He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dr. Judith (Sugar) Golden. Larry and Judie met on a blind date and courted long distance while only spending 2 weeks together in the same place before they wed in Detroit, Michigan.

Born in Cleveland, OH, Dr. Golden was the son of the late Alton H. and Goldie E. (Schusterman) Golden.  He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics from UCLA in 1965, his Master of Science in Physics from San Fernando Valley State College in 1967 and his PhD in Astro-Physics from Penn State in 1971. He spent his career at the Penn State Scranton campus, where he loved teaching astronomy and physics to countless students over 33 years.

In 1982, he spent a sabbatical at Los Alamos National Laboratory. There, he researched stellar atmospheres and explored the American Southwest on the weekends with his family.

Dr. Golden was passionate about science education of younger students as well.  As the State Judging Chair of the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, he helped grow the organization from under 100 young scientist participants to over 800.

For many years, he volunteered with Scouting BSA’s Cub Pack and Troop 160. Despite having been raised a city boy, he embraced taking the boys camping in all seasons. At various points he served as a Pack Master, troop chairman, and chairman of the annual french toast and ham breakfast.

In addition to his wife, Dr. Golden is survived by his children, Deborah Golden, and Matthew Golden, as well as the lights of his life – his grandchildren Elijah and Dorothy Feiock-Golden, and Zachary and Lilah Golden.  He was deeply loved and will be sincerely missed.

The funeral will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc., Dunmore, with services by Rabbi Daniel Swartz.  Those wishing to pay their respects may do so from noon until the time of service.  Interment will follow in Temple Hesed Cemetery, Dunmore.

Friends will be received during shiva at the family residence on Wednesday from 3-9 p.m., Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., and Friday from 2-4 p.m.

Contributions in Dr. Golden’s memory may be made to Penn State Scranton Campus Lion Food Pantry, c/o Christine Ostroski Director of Campus Development, Penn State University, 120 Ridge View Dr., Dunmore, PA 18512; to Temple Hesed, 1 Knox Rd., Scranton, PA 18505; or to your favorite food pantry.

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