A couple who found a better life in New York after immigrating from Ukraine more than 30 years ago were killed early Tuesday morning on their way to work at a Brooklyn kosher bakery.
Anton and Rifka Goldenberg died at the scene on 24th Avenue in Bensonhurst when their car collided with a vehicle driven by Michael McGibbon, 28, an off-duty policeman, who was also killed. The accident took place at 4:48 a.m.
For 29 years, Anton Goldenberg, 55, prepared pastries that were then packaged by his 54-year-old wife at Reisman's Brothers Bakery on Avenue O in Gravesend. They worked from 5 a.m. until the evening.
"They were well-liked, hard-working people, very dedicated, like family," said Larry Fixler, the bakery manager, on Wednesday. "We are still stunned."
The Goldenbergs, who lived in Midwood, are survived by two daughters and their husbands and four grandchildren. Funeral services were held Wednesday at Shomrei Hadas chapel in Borough Park.
Police are investigating the cause of the accident, including whether alcohol was involved. McGibbon, a three-year veteran of the force, reportedly had visited a Sheepshead Bay pub prior to the accident.