Pedestrian Killed In West Hartford Identified: WHPD

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local police Monday afternoon released the identity of the pedestrian killed Saturday after being struck by a vehicle in town.

The West Hartford Police Department has identified the victim as being David Goldfarb, 80, of West Hartford.

According to police, the incident happened at about 5:48 p.m. when the West Hartford Police Department was called to Albany Avenue near Mohegan Drive.

West Hartford police and fire personnel rushed to the scene and provided emergency care to Goldfarb.

The victim, police said, was transported to an area hospital, but suffered fatal injuries as a result.

Police said the operator of the vehicle involved in the incident remained on scene and cooperated with investigators.

According to Rabbi Tuvia Brander of Young Israel of West Hartford, Goldfarb played a prominent role within the synagogue and the local Jewish community.

Brander described Goldfarb as "a beloved member of our Young Israel of West Hartford family and Greater Hartford community."

Brander said he was a Vietnam War veteran, a dedicated father, grandfather, and a devoted husband.

"David lived a life of service — to his family, to his synagogue, to his country, and to society," Brander said in a statement Monday afternoon.

He said Goldfarb was a retired financial officer and accountant and "spent his time volunteering as a patient care advocate at local hospitals and in volunteer roles at Young Israel of West Hartford and the New England Jewish Academy."

A recent recipient of the H. Zachs Spirit of Judaism Award, Brander said Goldfarb was a "deeply religious man with a deep devotion to his Jewish faith, genuine piety in his service of the Almighty, and a passionate Zionist."

According to Brander, Goldfarb spent more than 30 years "as gabbai (ritual coordinator) at the Young Israel — a role he greatly cherished."

"Above all, he was a person who deeply cared for those around him — his family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers," Brander said. "He will be sorely missed and his example will continue to inspire and be a blessing for his family, friends, and decades of Hartfordites who were privileged to know him."

Goldfarb's death comes more than a year after a spate of fatal incidents leading up to the 2022 holiday season claimed five lives and prompted the town to embark on a massive initiative to improve traffic and pedestrian safety in town.

Anyone with information related to this investigation should contact the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203, or use the WHPD Tip Line/email at 860-570-8969 / whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.

From Jan. 7: 'Pedestrian Killed In West Hartford After Being Hit: WHPD'

From Dec. 7, 2023: 'One Year After Tragedies, West Hartford Pledges Safer Roads'