Gorodetsky, Sanford
Providence
Sanford Gorodetsky, 94, of Warren, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence. He was the beloved husband of Barbara Blossom for 42 years; devoted father of Evan Gorodetsky and Brian Gorodetsky; stepfather of Robin Blossom and Perry (Pam) Blossom; brother of Lenore Gorodetsky; son of the late Louis and Sally (Rice) Gorodetsky. Previously married to (deceased) Harriet (Lieberman) Gorodetsky.
Born in Providence, Sanford was a graduate of Classical High School, Providence College, and earned a J.D. from Boston University Law School. Prior to joining the legal profession, he enlisted in the military and served active duty in the Pacific Region.
Dedicated to Providence, he served most notably as the Providence Director of Public Safety, and as Chief Judge for the Providence Municipal Court, and a member of the Providence City council. He practiced law for 62 years, and was professionally recognized by the Rhode Island Bar Association.
Active in the veteran’s community, Sanford served as Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA, Rhode Island Chapter. He was a former secretary for the Permanent Advisory Council of the House Veteran Affairs Committee and a member for the United Veterans Council, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15 in Bristol and the World War II Monument Committee.
His professional confidence and affable personality contributed to success in artistic pursuits. He was a talented local singer, band musician and actor. He enjoyed performing on both stage and screen, and earned numerous acting credits in both television and film.
To view the pre-recorded service, please click here
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 1st at 11:00 AM in Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Avenue, Providence, RI 02906. Military Honors will be held in his final resting place, Lincoln Park Cemetery, 1469 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02888. Shiva will be observed at the Club House at Bagy Wrinkle Cove, Warren, RI, immediately following the burial until 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15, Bristol Town Hall, Bristol RI.
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Lenore, Evan, Brian,
I am so very sorry to hear about this. I have so many fond childhood memories spending time together. I really loved cousin Sonny. Thinking of all of you. Love and prayers. Amy
Dear Gorodetsky Family,
I met Sanford (Sandi) in the early 1970′s as a young patrol officer on a local police department. I asked him for some help with a legal issue and he gave it to me. I can’t thank him enough for his wisdom and charity. I will keep your family in my prayers. RIP my friend.
Brian D. Burke
Detective Commander
Smithfield Police Department
Retired
I have some fond memories of Mr Gorodetsky. I am achildhood friend of his son Bryan. My condolences to the entire Family. May he rest in peace.
My fond memories of my relationship with Sonny will remain forever. He was so loved by my entire family. So many wonderful childhood memories of my dad Teddy taking me every Sunday morning to spend time with my cousins Sonny and Lenore.My condolences to Barbara , Brian, Even, Lenore, and the entire rest of the family.
My condolences to the Gorodetsky family. I have nothing but fond memories of Sandy.
Sandford and I were freshmen at Providence College and we were both on an inter mural Basketball team. Later in life we crossed paths often and it was always a great joy to see him and to enjoy his smart sense of humor He appeared before my court often in the District Court in Providence and we acted as tho we did not know each other and then after meet in Chambers for great get togethers Great actor and of course great friend
As I reach for my 98 th birthday I recall old memories of those I was so luckey to have in my life. God love you Sanford
I had the pleasure meeting Commissioner Gorodetsky several decades ago while I was a student at Bryant College and most recently while I served in the role he held many years ago. He was a great public servant and loved Providence, public safety and his family. Always positive, insightful and giving of his thoughts and intellect. He was a mentor to many. Rest in Peace
Steven M Paré
Commissioner of Public Safety (ret)
Superintendent of the RI State Police (ret)
Sandy and I, along with Eddie Gnys, Judge John Mutter, Gene Toro, and Judge Bruce Selya, used to write and produce shows for Bar Association meetings back when having fun and letting your hair down was an acceptable part of being a lawyer. Sandy was always a gentleman and contributed mightily to our silly endeavors! My sincere condolences to his family.
I used to go to the Gym with Sanford.Wonderful person who you could always have a conversation with,A great listener.I m sure he will be missed by his family and friends,So sorry for your loss of such a great man.
Sandy was a consummate gentleman ,a dedicated public servant ,and a brilliant lawyer. I will always cherish all the times that he,Barbara,and I spent together,particularly at the Schreiber law office gatherings.
Rest in peace,dear friend.The world is a poorer place without you!
Sandy was a valued member of The Players at the Barker Playhouse for many years. We treasured his skill as a performer and his warmth as a friend. He will long be remembered and spoken of with love.
Dear Barbara,
I was so sorry to read of Sanford’s passing. I remember him just as he was described, “affable”. I always enjoyed Sanford’s interesting and informative conversations, on my visits to see you. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Carolyn Testa
I am very sorry for your loss. He will be sadly missed by all. May his memories be a blessing.
I am very sorry for your loss. He will be sadly missed by all. May his memories be a blessing.
Gorodetsky Family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Sandi. I the honor to get to know him while he was on City Council and later as Public Safety Director.
Tony Phillips
Retired Detective
No. Providence Police Dept.
My sincere condolences to the family. Mr Gorodetsky was our attorney many years ago. My late husband Billy and I found him to be not only an outstanding lawyer but he was man of integrity I’m sure he will be missed by many. Thaoughts and prayers for the family during this difficult time.
To Barbara and Robin and to all who knew and loved Sandi I offer my heartfelt condolences. I will remember him in the role of Don Quixote, my favorite memory of Sandi. That, and of course his warm smile. May his memory be a blessing.
Sandy and I both aced the English comprehension test as freshmen at Providence College, and were allowed to skip the basic grammar course and go right to a senior literature course. I recall that we were awed by all those big seniors and sat together for self-protection. Later, when I worked as an editor at the ProJo, I occasionally ran into Sandy and we reminisced about “old times.”
I first met Sandi while in the company of the then Chief-of Police, Angelo P. Ricci. We became friends. I was so sorry to receive this news, I found Sandy to be a remarkable individual and he will be missed by all who knew him.
He was one of the finest men I ever knew. I always will Remer him RIP judge.
My deepest condolences to Barbara and their families. I have many loving memories of Sandy and cherished dinner parties with Barbara and Sandy in their lovely home. I will miss Sandy’s humor, his musical talents and his vast knowledge on almost all things (which made him such a great party pal!)
Much love,
Ida Zecco
Friend/Thespian
I met Barbara first briefly in about 1984 in Providence. The ad agency where I worked in PR had hired her to perform in daily skits at an int’l corporate sales meeting for one of our top clients. The meeting was held at the famous Del Coronado Hotel. Barbara was afraid of flying and Sanford had come along to hold Barbara’s hand and keep her company. Every morning from about 7-1, we had to sit through tedious product presentations as Barbara provided comic relief as a sort of old charwoman character. Later Barbara (now back to her beautiful, youthful, classy true self), Sanford, and I would have lunch and sit around the pool and kvetch about the meeting and its many challenges. Then in the evening, we would go to all the receptions and dinners. It sounds fun but it was not. One of my many responsibilities that week was to keep the talent (Barbara) happy. Instead, Barbara and Sanford kept me from jumping off my balcony. This week in San Diego would turn out to be the start of a lifelong friendship with these two talented and vibrant people. During the years I was in Providence, Sanford became a warm and generous friend to me and many of my friends. Despite his position at the time as Public Safety Commissioner, he was unfailingly kind, friendly, and respectful to everyone he met. It’s still amazing to me how he took the time to support, encourage, and promote everyone around him at every opportunity. I spent a career in PR but Sanford embodied public relations in the highest possible sense. Unfortunately, after I moved to California, and now Tucson, I was unable to visit as often as I would have liked. But he will always be in my heart and be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Sanford. And hugs and kisses to you, Barbara, and family on your loss.
Dear Evan & Bryan,,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many great memories at your house on Bayard St. It was my second home. I loved when Sandy cooked on the grill for us. He was ALWAYS such a gentleman & a great family man. My childhood was awesome because of the time spent with your family. Love & memories forever! May you rest in peace Sandy,, Donna Horowitz
To: Gorodetsky Family. Walking down memory lane of the
Barker Playhouse has not been easy of late for me. Sandy,
Dom and Jan standout in my mind among the many pillars
of its existence. I thank them for their acting and/or musical
talents that they shared with many of us over and over for many
years.
Sorry to hear of the passing of the commissioner. I met him many years ago as a student at Bryan College.
Barbara and I go back a long, long time to Cleveland where we both served on the Jr. Committee of the Cleveland Orchestra. Ultimately we (my husband Larry and I) left Cleveland, and Barbara relocated to Rhode Island, but we never lost touch. When she met Sanford, fell in love, and they were to be married, Larry and I were present at their wedding ceremony held modestly in their lovely home. By then my husband and I had been living in Connecticut, and throughout many years visited Sandy and Barbara as often as possible. I am a trained musician and my late husband was a dancer, so Barbara and Sandy’s talents in theater, musicals, and visual arts completely registered with our own interests. Sanford had a glorious baritone voice, but most of all I enjoyed his drumming! Often when we visited we would all go to the club that he would be playing in and totally enjoy his skill. It was a glorious friendship with two magnificent, elegant and faithful friends. It is very difficult to accept that Sanford has left us. He will greatly be missed, but I am thankful to have Barbara so that we will keep our wonderful memories of Sanford alive. Rest in peace my sweet dear friend. You will be missed, but I am grateful to have known and spent time with you. Your memory is a blessing.