Mel Goldberg dies
May 4, 2011
Melvin A. Goldberg passed away Tuesday, May 3 at the age of 87, PBRTV has learned. Mr. Goldberg was a well-known communications executive in the radio and cable industries and had a mind for community matters. He was a native of New Kensington and graduated in 1942 from Ken-Hi (known today as Valley High School). After serving in the Air Force between 1942-46 as a radio operator, he attended schools in Cleveland and New York and received his radio operator’s license.
Goldberg sold radio advertising before he became the manager of WKPA-AM (1150 New Kensington). In 1962, he purchased WHJB-AM/FM (620/107.1 Greensburg) which he would own (the FM becoming WOKU and WSSZ under his ownership) until his retirement in 1997. In 1968 he developed one of Western Pennsylvania’s first cable TV franchises serving Greensburg and surrounding communities.
He served his community through the Western Westmoreland County Community Fund and the Westmoreland County Housing Authority among others. He also served as president of the Beth Jacob Synagogue Congregation several times during his membership there.
Goldberg leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Seena, 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
