Carl Goldenberg, Philadelphia Candy Icon, Dies

Longtime candy magnate Carl Goldenberg, father-in-law of Moorestown School Board Vice President Kathy Goldenberg, passed away Monday in Philadelphia.

The former third-generation president of Goldenberg Candy Company (makers of the famous Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews), Carl Goldenberg worked for his family’s company for 55 years, according to his son, Sam, working his way up from the bottom selling candy on the street.

Goldenberg, a Korean War veteran, remained active within the company until 2003, when it was sold to Bethlehem, PA-based Just Born Inc., Sam said.

Goldenberg was the last president of a group called the Philadelphia Manufacturers of Confectionery and Chocolate, whose member companies had included the makers of Goobers, Raisinets, Sno-Caps, Good & Plenty, and the 5th Avenue Bar, all now made elsewhere, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. 

He was also inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame, according to Sam.

He described his father as “just a phenomenal person. He was philanthropic … He was very loving, very nice, and never said a bad word about anybody. And never complained about anything.”

Goldenberg battled prostate cancer for nearly 17 years, his son said. He died at his home in Philadelphia, surrounded by family.

“He raised a wonderful family,” Sam said.

Funeral services were held Wednesday in Philadelphia.

Goldenberg is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara; another son, David; five grandchildren; a brother; and a sister, the Inquirer reported.