Seth Goldberg

Seth Goldberg passed away on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 surrounded by his family in Carmel Valley, CA, after a bravely fought battle with a tough cancer. He held onto every ounce of hope until he couldn’t anymore.

Seth was born in Los Angeles in June of 1962, and was given the Hebrew name of Beryl, according to the Torah, means “The Bear”- the translation signifies great strength and power.

Growing up in Orange County, he loved being near Newport Beach and by middle school age was riding his bike to the beach to surf, which would become his life-long passion.

After graduation from high school, in 1980, he soon went to work building Carl’s Junior’s restaurants, which later evolved into building and remodeling tract and custom homes that became his life-long career. Seth turned his career into an art; advising, creating, comforting, and bringing joy to homeowners no matter what the job entailed. He brought honesty, skill, and artistry to every job.

Seth and his beloved wife Teresa met in 1982 and their relationship grew from their mutual love of the beach, camping, adventures, nature and, of course, infamous surfing trips.

Seth and Teresa married in 1990 and had 3 beautiful children, Leah, Kelly, and Casey Jean. The family moved to Carmel Valley in 1996 for a better quality of life, of which they soon became integral parts of the special Carmel Valley fabric of neighbors, volunteers, and community. Seth joined the Carmel Valley Fire Department as a Valley Volunteer for 16 years. Additionally, he volunteered for the Carmel Valley Community Youth Center and spear-headed the patio project by gathering friends to volunteer their time and equipment. Seth was an integral part of helping with the Carmel Surf-a-Bout, making sure the stage, and viewing deck was built with care and skill. He was selfless and he loved giving to his community.

As a father, Seth was very involved in all of his kid’s activities and always showed up for every game, concert, or dance show. He taught all three kids the skill of surfing, the value of being outdoors, and the excitement of adventure. Seth instilled in them his craftsmanship, skill in woodworking, and ultimately his good nature, sense of humor, and all-around care for others and the environment.

Many looked up to Seth as a mentor, but his advice to young adults speaks to his true character, “Help the environment, other people, or animals. Do what brings you joy and satisfaction at the end of the day. Be proud of who you are and what you can do to help others.”

Seth was a gentle, kind, and loving soul. He saw the good in everyone and always saw the positive in any situation. He had a smile that revealed his loving heart. He was a soft-spoken man, of whom many admired his calm demeanor. He had a great wit, who also gave out funny nicknames. He loved his family (which includes his dogs),surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, concerts, woodworking, bacon, hot sauce, and Jim Gaffigan. His favorite song was Angel from Montgomery so when you hear it, think of Seth.

Beloved son, brother, father, husband, uncle, and friend to many. He was a gift to us all and will be missed immensely. Everything he loved, he loved deeply.

Seth is survived by his wife of 38 years and best friend, Teresa, also his three children, Leah, Kelly, and Casey. He is survived by his mother Janet, father David, brothers Bob,Mike, and Andy, and many nieces and nephews, and his “chosen kids.”

A celebration of life will be held on February 17th, 2024 at the Carmel Valley Community Youth Center in Carmel Valley Village, starting at noon.

If you would like to make a donation is Seth's honor, please consider the Carmel Surfabout, a non-profit organization. Your donation will support costs for this long time tradition of a local surf contest every June at Carmel Beach. Please click on the link below to make a donation.