Roland von Goeben Jr.

Roland von Goeben, Jr., 84, of Tallahassee, FL, went to be with the Lord when he passed away at home on June 10, 2023, with his beloved wife, Margaret, at his side. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Roland and Dorothy Remsen von Goeben. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory University, attended Florida State University, and completed an internship for Leon County Juvenile Judge Rufus O. Jefferson in Tallahassee. After a short career as a social worker helping at-risk teens, he became a certified public accountant in 1974 by passing all sections of the Uniform CPA Exam on his first attempt. Roland joined the Tallahassee public accounting firm of Skelton & Company, CPA’s (now Skelton, Bryant, Bryant & Scarboro, P.A.), in 1972, and became a shareholder in 1982. He remained with the firm (specializing in income and estate taxes) until he retired at the end of 2021. Possessing a strong work ethic, he earned a reputation for being extremely knowledgeable and honest. He was devoted to his wife, Margaret A. von Goeben. Their relationship spanned 56 years. The two met in a bowling league in Tallahassee during 1967 and they married in Mexico in 1968. The taxi driver that drove them to the courthouse in Mexico served as the couple’s Spanish interpreter during the wedding ceremony. Roland was a fierce competitor on the tennis court (even when playing mixed doubles), frequented the casinos in Atlantic City and Biloxi, and became a lifelong fan of the Florida State Seminoles when he attended classes at the university. He enjoyed boogie boarding and body surfing, old Western movies, and retelling funny stories about his life and family. He was filled with knowledge gained through his many life experiences. He was generous, loyal, and brave. He was also strong willed, had an enormous heart, and a wonderful sense of humor. His epitaph on his gravestone reads "How Can I Miss You If You're Never Gone". Roland cherished his relationship with his Lord and Savior and listened to the Bible teachings of the late Les Feldick and Pastor Arnold Murray. He took comfort in Psalm 23 that he knew by heart and "The Royal Telephone" and “Amazing Grace” were a few of his favorite hymns. He leaves behind his wife, children, and grandchildren. At Roland’s request, there will not be a funeral service. Based on the expert and personalized care he received from Nick Pagel, memorial donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308. Todd Wahlquist is assisting the Family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

Tributes

Roland von Goeben Jr.

July 10, 1938 - June 10, 2023