Emanuel Gottesdiener Obituary

Boynton Beach, Fla. - Emanuel "Mendy" Gottesdiener, aged 98, passed away July 22, 2025, in Boynton Beach, Fla., where he had made his home for the past 25 years with Shirley (née Udolf) Gottesdiener, his beloved wife of over 70 years. (Shirley passed, at age 94, in May 2022).

Mendy was born June 14, 1927, in The Bronx, N.Y., before moving to Brooklyn and then New London, with his parents and elder brothers, Nathan "Nate" and Martin "Marty" (who predeceased him). His parents, Isadore and Lena (née Berenbaum) emigrated from Europe in 1918, settling first in New York, then moving to Connecticut where they founded an apparel manufacturing business, Lora Dress Mfg.

Mendy grew up in New London where he attended local schools and met his beloved wife Shirley at Ocean Beach and raised a family. Mendy and Shirley were married in November 1950. They were unreservedly devoted to one another.

After serving in the U.S. Army and graduating from the University of Connecticut, Mendy partnered with his late brother Nate in the family business. He changed careers in middle-age and became a licensed clinical social worker, practicing both privately and at the York Correctional Facility in Niantic, before retiring to Florida.

Shirley and Mendy's children are: Marc (spouse Marsha Faith) of West Hartford; T.J. (spouse Abra Levine) of New York City; Ellen (spouse Jeffrey Radding) of Madison; Eli (spouse Eleonor Bindman) of Brooklyn, N.Y. Seven grandchildren also survive: Sarah, Seth, Lee, Adam and Mia Gottesdiener, and Benjamin and Noah Radding. Mendy was close to all his children and grandchildren. They adored him and he them.

Mendy was one-of-a-kind, a force of nature. He was both gregarious and introspective. He enjoyed the pleasures and sociability of Florida condo life, engaging joyfully in many activities including dancing, fitness, bridge, and discussion groups. He was a proud Jew, an ardent support of Israel and devoted to the cause of fighting anti-Semitism. He became legendary for his prolific, insightful socio-political blog, "Letters to the Editor."

Mendy will be remembered for his passion and compassion, his enthusiasm for life, and his fierce devotion to his family.

He will be buried next to Shirley in the family plot in the Beth El Community Cemetery, 52-96 Lestertown Road, Groton. The graveside service will be held at noon Sunday, July 27, followed by a Shiva call at 41 Shore Road, Clinton. No flowers please. Donations to Magen David Adom (Israel's Red Cross) or any other suitable choice Mendy would have been proud to support.