Professor Minton Forman Goldman died at home in Boston on August 31. He was 89.

He was born on June 3, 1933 in Manhattan to Julius and Hessie Forman Goldman. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School in New York city and went on to major in history at the College of William and Mary. At graduation, he was recognized as a Fulbright Scholar, the only one that year in the state of Virginia. On that scholarship, he attended Northwestern University for a master’s degree in political science and The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University for a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in law and diplomacy.

His great love was teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He taught at Wheaton College and subsequently at Northeastern University for 40 years, where he was a full professor. Students responded with respect and admiration, often sending him thoughtful letters about their classroom experiences. Known as a demanding but caring professor, he had an amazing depth of knowledge that he presented in a carefully organized way. During his tenure at Northeastern, he earned numerous awards for publications and a certificate of excellence in teaching. On retirement he became professor emeritus.

In addition to his many scholarly articles and book chapters, Professor Goldman published books: Slovakia Since Independence: A Struggle for Democracy; Revolution and Change in Central and Eastern Europe; Russia, The Eurasian Republics and Central and Eastern Europe (11 editions), and Rivalry in Eurasia: Russia, The United States, and The War on Terror.

He married Maureen O’Donnell in June of 1962 and their daughter Joyce was born in September 1966. Their life in Needham was busy and happy. Minton was the cook and, eating early, Joyce would sit at the kitchen counter chatting away while her dad prepared a late meal for Maureen and himself once the day’s work was done.

Summertime often meant travel, frequently to areas of his academic interest such as the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Summer also meant time on the Vineyard, where they biked, swam and had good meals with family and friends.

For all his academic seriousness, Minton had a playful side. He built a model railroad in the basement, kept a close eye on all things Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck and collected miniature cars and other memorabilia from his travels.

He also loved a good discussion and engaged colleagues and compatriots from all over the globe in analyzing the state of the world.

He was a music buff and began subscribing to the Boston Symphony during his graduate school years. He built an impressive collection of classical albums and played them at full volume, so they filled the house with music.

Minton leaves behind his loving wife Maureen and her sister Kathleen; daughter Joyce and her husband Marshall and their three children, Julia, Laura and Sarah.

Services and interment will be held privately at the New Westside Cemetery in Edgartown.