1946
2017
Allen Goorin M.D., 70, of Jamaica Plain, formerly of Newton, MA and Pennsylvania, passed peacefully on April 14, 2017. He was the beloved husband of Linda Goorin, father to Amy Fogelman and her husband Matthew, and to Laura Goorin and her fianc Darren Critz; grandfather to Ella and Lily Fogelman and Regan Critz; brother-in-law to Roz Goorin; and relative and comrade to many more. Family always came first for Allen. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with loved ones, telling stories, laughing, being on Marthas Vineyard with Linda, and watching his granddaughters dance. But family was not his only passion. Allen was a beloved pediatrician and pediatric oncologist to thousands of children, both healthy and sick. He was a general pediatrician at Longwood Pediatrics, where he treated babies to 20-somethings (and their parents) with his intelligence, compassion, and charm. Allen also ran the Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) Program at The Dana Farber in Boston, caring for many children and teens with the disease over the course of his career. He was instrumental and a driving force in probably the most important Osteosarcoma study showing that adjuvant chemotherapy was effective in improving survival of Osteosarcoma patients. In the late 1970s, the use of chemotherapy was in unchartered waters and the undertaking of a randomized study was controversial, yet necessary. Allens courageous leadership helped it to happen. The results of that study have changed the treatment of this type of cancer forever and have saved countless lives. The dramatic improvement in survival has really not been increased since. Born in Beaver Falls, PA on April 18, 1946, Allen was the son of the late George and Ida Goorin, and brother to the late Stanley. He graduated from Washington and Jefferson in 1968, Pittsburgh Medical School in 1972, and did a pediatric internship in Philadelphia. He and Linda then spent two years in Fort Defiance, Arizona, working with the Navajo tribe in the Public Health Service. He did residency at Childrens Hospital and a fellowship at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Allen was a renaissance man with a quest for life. He was fearless and self-taught in countless endeavors. Among his many interests were: running, cycling, wind-surfing, skiing, softball (his team never won but they had the most fun, until they were asked to leave the league due to lack of talent), movies, jazz music, the Celtics, the Red Sox, and trips abroad with Linda. He made the most delicious fruit bowls in the morning for his children. Allen was a sweet soul, incredibly kind, and a friend to anyone who crossed his path. To know him was to love him, and he loved you back. Friends and family are invited to his funeral on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Avenue, Needham followed by burial at Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut Street, Newton. People are welcome to visit at Amy and Matts home following the interment until 6:00 p.m., and also on Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Donations may be in Allens memory to the Huntingtons Disease Society of America http://hdsa.org. Arrangements by The Brezniak-Rodman Funeral Directors, Newton 617-969-0800.
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May 2, 2017
Audrey
May the God of comfort, give you the strength at Matthew 5 : 4, for your comfort.
April 26, 2017
Dr. Goorin was our first pediatrician. He just walked into my hospital room and introduced himself in those first days when I couldn't see straight. I remember him as the most loving, caring man I had ever met. Both my daughters stayed in the practice as long as they could because of their relationship with him. I believe there is no person who is more a part of a child'd development and has the most impact and intimate knowledge of their lives besides their parents. He was ALWAYS there when we needed him..always. We all loved looking at the growing collection of family photos in his office and how beautiful his wife and daughters are.
When he retired from Longwood Pediatrics, I felt compelled to write him a heartfelt note about his deep meaning to our family all those years. I am so glad I could say then what I still feel now.
I will never forget him.
April 22, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 22, 2017
Friend
MICHAEL NEIDITCH
I am deeply saddened to learn of Allen's passing from the disease that took his mother to an early grave, a funeral I had the honor to attend in Beaver Falls a lifetime ago. I send my condolences to Linda and their children. May the memories of your lives together forever be a blessing to you.
April 19, 2017
Linda and family,
We will miss Allen's sense of humor and thoughtfulness. He was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Andrew and Lisa Cloherty
April 18, 2017
Marion Case
So sorry to learn of Allen's passing and sending heartfelt condolences to the family. Allen was my son's first pediatrician and was kind, smart and funny, not to mention insightful and helpful to me in those early days of parenting.
May he rest in peace.
April 17, 2017
George Demetri, MD
Allen was a remarkable teacher and mentor who always put caring for the patient first in "patient care" - he make an enormous impact in our field and his memory will always be a blessing. A giant in the field and yet a humble, kind and brilliant leader. My most sincere condolences to his family - he will be missed.
April 17, 2017
Lisa Diller
My condolences to all; Allen was a wonderful teacher and I learned a tremendous lot about the art of medicine from him (not to mention some pediatric oncology)! His patients and his colleagues I am sure are every grateful.
April 16, 2017
Kate and Seth Spector
Dear Amy, Matt and family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father, Amy. Peace.
April 16, 2017
Margaret Lieber
Allen was one of the good guys. We feel so fortunate to have had him as our friend all of these years. We cherish the laughs we had a few weeks ago with Linda and Allen joining right in. It was a gift we will always remember. He has left a wonderful legacy with the family he loved so dearly.
Margaret and Michael Lieber
April 16, 2017
Linda and family, I am so sorry to learn of Al's passing. I always liked and admired him, and feel fortunate to have visited with him at his 40th med. School reunion, even though I am whatever the opposite of a med. School grad is. I remember you from w&j parties. I thought you were cool, and I never miss.
Irwin Kalson
W&J and zbt, '69
April 16, 2017
Dean & Vivienne Aldrich
Dear Linda, Amy, Laura,
thinking of you with love.
Dean, Vivienne and Petra Aldrich
April 15, 2017
He was a splendid man in so many was. Generous of spirit, kindness and always ready for a good belly laugh...our poker games were legendary for their silliness and noisiness and Doc fit right in, his cackle
among the loudest..the softball team had to be seen to be believed....eventually informed that we had not been invited back by the league I had the unenviable task of informing doc. He in turn had to inform Linda. Allegedly she responded truthfully ,.",they shoot horses don't they"? To Linda and the girls we send all our love and good wishes.....we were proud to know and call him our dear friend. Dan and Suzanne Cashman
April 15, 2017
He was a splendid man in so many ways
Generous of spirit, kindness and always ready for a good belly laugh...our poker games were legendary for their silliness and noisiness and Doc fit right in, his cackle
among the loudest. The softball team had to be seen to be believed....eventually informed that we were asked to resign from the league l had the difficult task of informing doc. Upon hearing the news, doc told Linda. Allegedly, she responded, "They shoot horses dont they?" He was a good man, and a fine friend. I will always be thankful for his friendship. Munch love to the whole family from dan and Suzie cashman
April 15, 2017
Mike Hanauer
I am part of a group that cycled, hiked, and enjoyed outdoor activities with Allen.
I always admired his good nature and his fighting spirit!
The world could use more people like Allen.
[The Photo was taken in the Blue Hills, January 13, 2011. I'm the guy on the ground]
Notice Allen's infectious smile.
Mike Hanauer
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