Herbert Marvin Gold

Herbert Marvin ‘Herb’ Gold, age 94, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. Born on August 5, 1930, in Paterson, New Jersey, Herb’s remarkably full life was marked by distinguished service to his country, pioneering contributions to broadcast journalism, and steadfast dedication to his community and family. His enduring legacy continues to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

After graduating from Eastside High School in 1948, Herb attended Fairleigh Dickinson University where he majored in Photojournalism. In 1950, during the Korean War, Herb entered the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Jacksonville, FL. He served as a Photographer’s Mate Petty Officer 1st Class aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt until his honorable discharge in 1955. Herb received the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal (European Clasp), and Good Conduct Medal. A proud veteran, Herb wore his USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA-42 baseball cap every day until his passing, remaining deeply connected to his military service throughout his life.

Herb began his distinguished career in television in 1957 at WFGA-TV in Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as a Film and Special Projects Director. His talents and leadership quickly propelled him into the role of Operations Manager and Special Projects Producer by 1965. From 1960 to 1974, Herb worked with the NBC Television Space News Unit as an Associate Producer stationed in Houston and Cape Canaveral. During this time, he played a pivotal role in coordinating coverage for one of the most significant events of the 20th century – the Apollo XI mission which resulted in the first human landing on the moon on July 20, 1969. The Apollo 11 coverage, which was extensive and groundbreaking for its time, earned an Emmy Award for its significant contribution to television programming.

In 1974, Herb returned to Jacksonville to join WJKS-TV as Program Manager and later Assistant General Manager. His career took him to Tampa in 1981, where he served as Director of Administration and GM of off-field operations for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL football team. In 1987, Herb transitioned into public relations and business consulting, where he continued to leave an indelible mark on the Tampa Bay area. His extensive client list reflected the breadth of his influence and included the Mayor’s Office, City of Tampa, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sports Marketing Services, Avant Communications, Florida Media Consortium, Broadway musical producers Teddy & Alice Co., Shimberg Productions, Hippo Press book publishers, several local restaurants including Cactus Club, RG’s, Bern’s Steakhouse, and SideBern’s which he co-founded and served as GM. Before retiring in 2015 to spend more time with friends and family, Herb held the title of HR and Marketing Director at Southern Equipment Corporation in Tampa, FL.

Among his numerous accomplishments as a business consultant and community leader, Herb played a pivotal role in organizing several significant events for the City of Tampa including chairing the 150th Birthday Celebration in 1987. He coordinated the grand opening of the Tampa Convention Center, and produced the Salute to General Schwarzkopf and Welcome Home Desert Storm Troops at Tampa Stadium which was televised on the Disney Channel. Additionally, Herb coordinated Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Tampa and MacDill Air Force Base in 1991.

Herb’s contributions were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his life. These included special recognition from the United States Olympic Committee; designation as a Broadcast Pioneer by A Society of Broadcast Professionals; National Television Academy Emmy Award for coordinating coverage of the Apollo XI mission and Moon landing 1969-1970; and The Eugene A. Cernan Commander Apollo XVII Silver Medal Award presented on the occasion of the Apollo XI 30th Anniversary.

Beyond his professional achievements, Herb was deeply involved in civic life and community service. He was and longtime member of Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Tampa, a Life Member of the National Press Photographers Association and served on numerous boards including the Tampa Bay Conventions & Visitors Bureau (1984-2003), Board of Directors (1994-2002), Chairman of the Board (1999–2000); Friends of Tampa Recreation Committee Board Member (1988-1995), Chairman (1991–1995); Paint Your Heart Out Tampa Steering Committee (1988–2002); Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center Board of Trustees (1983–1997); St. Joseph’s Hospital Development Council Board of Directors (1984-1990), Chairman (1990); United Way of Tampa Board of Trustees (1983-1987), Vice President Allocations (1987); YMCA-YWCA Greater Tampa Board of Directors (1982–1986); Gulf Ridge Council Boy Scouts Executive Committee (1982–1986); Florida Orchestra Board of Directors (1983–1985); Jacksonville Florida Symphony Board of Directors; Gator Bowl Board of Directors in Jacksonville; Television Programmers National Convention (TVPC) President; National Society to Prevent Blindness - Florida Board of Directors; and Old Hyde Park Village Condo Association President (2006-2009).

An avid photographer and local historian, Herb delighted in sharing stories and knowledge with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, creating many cherished memories. Herb is survived by his beloved wife Sharon; daughters Cathy Steltz (Ron) and Susan Biondi (Lenny); stepsons Brian E. Alexander (Alison) and Christopher Chapman (Sharon); granddaughter Courtney Neese (Geoff); grandsons Carson Steltz, Ethan Alexander, and Ashton Alexander; great-granddaughters McKenzie Neese and Campbell Neese; and great-grandson Noah Steltz. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Rebecca and Harry Gold; his amazing son David Gold in 1994, and his sister Lucille Bober.

Herbert Gold will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, loyal friend, veteran, media pioneer, civic leader and above all —a gentleman whose integrity, generosity, and caring spirit touched countless lives.