Daniel Timothy Goodnow

Daniel Timothy Goodnow, beloved husband of Susan Goodnow (nee Turner), passed away on Friday, October 18th at his home in Grosse Pointe Farms at the age of 86, surrounded by his family. Born to Romalda and Nathan Goodnow, Daniel was raised in Grosse Pointe and resided there for most of his life. His love of Grosse Pointe - the lake, the community, and particularly St. Paul parish - was lifelong.
Dan was a man of incredible self-discipline and generosity toward others. His routine of waking at 5:00AM for a run, leading a rosary at St. Paul and attending mass was his daily habit until his age and mobility prevented him from doing so. Dan had a daily devotion to the rosary, the chaplet and discerning God's will. Dan established a foundation, Helpers of God's Precious Infants of Michigan, to peacefully counsel women entering abortion clinics, offering an alternative option. His gentle spirit, positivity and endearing nature helped him in this pursuit. During his ministry on the sidewalk, Dan and his group were focused on saving lives, one mother and one baby at a time. A heartwarming story concerns a woman who returned years after meeting him to introduce him to her "Daniel", a two year old boy named after the man who helped his mother in a time of need.
From his early years, Dan was active and fostered a love of the great outdoors, particularly northern Michigan. Canoeing became a big part of his early life, and he started a canoeing business, Goodnow Canoe Trips, for young Grosse Pointe boys while he was in high school. His love of the Michigan rivers continued with an annual summer canoe trip with his family and friends, frequently on the Pere Marquette River. An All-American Swimmer in high school, Dan's academic and athletic achievements were complementary and indicative of his well-rounded person. Dan attended Colgate University and from there went on to the University of Michigan, where he received a Masters in Business Administration and reconnected with a childhood acquaintance, the beautiful Susie T, who would go on to become his cherished wife of nearly 60 years, and mother to their six children. Their marriage is a testament to true love.
Dan's professional career as an Investment Manager included managing the pension fund for The Bethlehem Steel Corporation and The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, as well as founding two investment funds. His knack for discovering innovative companies to invest in was notable, and he was prescient in his analytical strategy, which revolved around company culture, not just bottom line profits.
Dan's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren lit up his big smile until the end and he will be dearly missed by many, especially his family, to whom he is irreplaceable.
Dan is survived by his loving wife Susie, his children Daniel Michael Goodnow (Lauren), Mary Anne Calzolano (Mark), Amy Elizabeth Goodnow Ciano (Phillip), Timothy Atkinson Goodnow, Jennifer Susan Goodnow (Paul Malmfeldt), and Sarah Turner Goodnow Berry (Todd). His beautiful grandchildren Megan Brooks Ferguson (Mike), John Benjamin Goodnow, Nathan Brooks Goodnow, Hannah Grace Goodnow, Nicholas John Calzolano, Camey Elizabeth Calzolano, Daniel Max Goodnow Ciano, Michael Atkinson Ciano, William Theodore ("Teddy") Malmfeldt, Noah Timothy Berry, Annabelle Susan Berry, Emma Grace Berry and his great grandchildren Ava Ann Ferguson, Toby Brooks Ferguson and Susan Marta Ferguson will forever miss their "GP Dan," as will anyone who knew him and his wonderful example.
A mass at St. Paul on the Lake in Grosse Pointe Farms will be held on Saturday, October 26th, 2024 at 10am in the morning to celebrate Dan's life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Helpers of God's Precious Infants of Michigan or their favorite charity, in Dan's name.
Helpers of God's Precious Infants of Michigan, 18530 Mack Avenue, Box 521, Grosse Pointe, MI 48236.