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Michael Goodling Obituary
Duncannon
Michael D. Goodling, 69, passed away Monday, October 24, 2016 at Select Specialty Hospital, Harrisburg.
He was born in York on July 2, 1947 to the late Donald and Amber (Herman) Goodling.
Michael was severely injured in an automobile accident when he was 18, which left him a paraplegic.
After a year in the hospital and in rehabilitation, he put himself through college and graduated from the University of Illinois as an Occupational Therapist. He was named one of the top seniors in his graduating class. He moved back home and received his license to practice in PA. He worked for the Pinnacle Health Hospital System as the Director of their O.T. department for 33 years.
He and his first wife Fay, also a paraplegic, were married for over 30 years until her death in 2005.
Mike taught O.T., had a private practice and served on many professional and charitable Boards during his career. He authored and co-authored many articles relating to the psychology of sports competition for the disabled.
He was an avid hunter, fisherman and sports enthusiast and competitor in swimming, basketball and Paralympic track. He competed in archery at the Paralympic events all over the world, winning dozens of gold medals.
He married his current wife, Ruth, in 2012.
There will be a celebration of his life, for friends and family on December 10, 2016 at 12 noon at their home in Duncannon. RSVP by Dec. 3, via e-mail to, [email protected], as to how many will attend or if you need directions.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation or Saint Jude's Children Hospital.
To share on-line condolence, please visit
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Goodling
Sponsored by InYork.com.
Mary Judith
October 31, 2016
I did not have the honor of knowing Michael but I am greatly inspired by all that he accomplished as a paraplegic. I am a nun and also in a wheelchair and try my best to keep "going". His life is a beautiful example to all of us. I am sure that God embraced Michael with open arms and much love.
Judy Cline
October 30, 2016
I was a neighborhood friend of Mikes when he lived in Colonial Park. He and his first wife were two of the nicest people I ever met. He was also my PT when I had hand problems. I used to cut his hair also. He will be sadly missed. Rest in the arms of the Lord dear friend.
lindy ott
October 28, 2016
Mike was such a wonderful man. I worked with him at Polyclinic. He gave so many people the encouragement they needed. He will be missed.
October 28, 2016
Mike was a dear friend and co-worker. He was an inspiration to all of us who work in the profession of Rehabilitation. Mike always had a positive comment to make regardless of the situation and he always did it with a big smile. He was the example of compssionate health care. He was admired, respected and loved. Mike you will be truly missed but what you taught so many of us by just being associated with you and following your teaching will live on!!
Randy Shelley
Pat Dietrich
October 27, 2016
Mike was an inspiration to all: patients & staff at Polyclinic--he always found the positive in every situation! RIP
October 27, 2016
I was a patient at the Polyclinic Hospital in 1970 when I had Mike as my occupational therapist he used to have me go down and back to the river, taught me how to do curves since this was before curb cuts. After I left the hospital I didn't see Mike until 2001 when he and Marcia Shapiro my PT surprised me at my wedding. I don't know where I would be today without the teaching of Mike. May he Rest In Peace.
Steve Danz
Denise Fasnacht
October 27, 2016
So sad,
I worked with Mike at Polyclinic before it became Pinnacle Health. He is good friend. RIP.
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