Goldberg Dies at 81
Independent sales representative Walter Goldberg died on Jan. 8, following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 81.
Goldberg founded Walter P. Goldberg and Associates in 1962, renaming it Walter P. Goldberg & Associates starring the Pink Lady in 1966 to honor his wife, Jackie, whom he nicknamed “The Pink Lady.” The two worked together from their office at the California Mart until his retirement in 1997.
A longtime tenant of the California Mart (now called the California Market Center), Goldberg had showrooms first on the 12th floor and then on the third floor.
The Brooklyn native served for four years in World War II as a staff sergeant and radio radar specialist for the U.S. Army.
In 1948, he moved to the West Coast to take a job with Sears, Roebuck & Co. as the West Coast liaison for sportswear. A chance meeting with Cal Mart founder Sydney Morse convinced Goldberg to move into the newly opened building.
Goldberg was a member of the Pacific Coast Travelers, the San Francisco Golden Gate Apparel Show and the Phoenix Apparel Show.
“He never missed a show—he was here everyday in a suit and a tie,” said his wife, who continues their sales business with daughter Michele. They have renamed the business The Pink Lady and Michele Hirsch.
Jackie Goldberg credits her husband with teaching her everything that she knows about the apparel industry— and for giving her the moniker “The Pink Lady” and suggesting that she use it to brand her sales business.
Goldberg was a “salesman’s salesman,” according to his wife, who noted that he was always willing to assist other sales representatives, encouraging them to take risks and scout for the next big trend.
“He was one-of-a-kind,” she said. “He taught me that this business is the most intriguing around.”
Goldberg is survived by his wife, Jackie; children Michele Hirsch, Michael Penn, Debbie Penn, Richard Penn and Howard Goldberg; and six grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimers Association, 5900 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1700, Los Angeles, Calif. 90036. —Alison A. Nieder
