Morton Golde

Captain Morton Golde, ret. USN, 90.5 years old (this precision was important to him) died peacefully at his home Thursday, April 20 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Captain Golde was born in Pontiac, Michigan and proudly attended the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

He served in three wars and had 5 commands. While serving in Vietnam as Chief Staff Officer, Coastal Surveillance Force, he received the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" and Gold Star in lieu of a second award. Following his tour as Commanding Officer of the USS O'Hare (in 1970), he was assigned to the Studies, Analysis and Gaming Agency of the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and for his service there was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. For his tour of duty as the Commander Destroyer Squadron TWENTY (20) from 1975-1977 he received the Legion of Merit for exceptional meritorious service. Captain Golde's final tour of duty began in April of 1978 as the first commander of Destroyer Squadron TWELVE under NAVSURFLANT Destroyer squadron reorganization with command of all destroyers and frigates homeported in Mayport, Florida.

There was no man prouder to have served his country then Captain Golde, who even in his final days would say that he felt lucky to have had such a great career in a job he loved.

He would also say quite often, that he had great parents (Charles and Theresa Golde), fantastic in-laws (Morris and Gladys Witus), and an outstanding wife (Sybil). He joins all of them now in the Book of Life.

He is survived by his three daughters: Elise Halpern (son-in-law Scott Halpern), LoisGrace Golde (son-in-law, Philip Flynn) and Alison Golde; four granddaughters: Micah Beale, Ashley Abbott, Gillian Abbott and Gaelyn Golde; two great grandchildren: Murphy and Ellie Beale; one niece and three nephews.

Finally, Morton, who loved sports metaphors, would always say when his three daughters visited at once that he had "hit a home run". His daughters will now forever be stuck in a triple since their clean-up batter will not be coming up to the plate; he has left the stadium forever.

Carry on, Captain, carry on.

Services will be held on Sunday, April 23, graveside at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery (4750 Palm Valley Road) at 1:00 PM, with full Military Honors.