HARRY GOODMAN

1926 - 2024

GOODMAN, Harry May 18, 1926-December 17, 2024 Loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at age 98 surrounded by his family. Born in Munich, Germany, his parents, Nathan and Bertha Gutmann, got him out of the country in 1938 and he sadly never saw them or his sister Inge again as they were killed by the Nazis. His was a true immigrant story of arriving in the U.S. with nothing, working hard, making a contribution to his adopted country and living a full and rich life. Harry was taken in by relatives in Nashville but at age 16 he left their home and was on his own. He made his way for a few years through his wits and the kindness of others and then joined the Army. He was a machine gunner and sent to France and later to Salzburg, Austria during World War II. After serving two years, Harry went to college but never finished. He took a job in St. Louis where he met his wife Dorothy who was studying at Washington University. They married on October 5, 1952 in New York where they lived and raised their children until they moved to The Commons in Lincoln, MA 14 years ago to be nearer to two of their daughters and grandchildren. Harry became a successful businessman, owning a number of manufacturing businesses that provided well for his family and friends. Harry loved music, travel, surprising family members, boating, and a good meal, but most of all he loved his family. Having lost his own, family was everything to him-both immediate and extended. He was known for his always present sense of humor, his wonderful stories, his generosity, kindness and warmth and his open and non-judgmental nature. He was beloved by many he met through the years and maintained many friendships. He read the paper every day and was curious and informed. His north star was his wife, Dorothy who survives him. He was utterly devoted to her and often said she was the best thing that ever happened to him. When asked to describe his life, Harry would say "lucky." His light and love, his smile and stories, and his warm presence will be deeply missed. In addition to his wife, Harry is survived by his daughters Nancy, Lisa (John Verda), Denise (Andrew Goodman), and Julie (Scott Kuster), his four granddaughters Danielle (Andrew Castronovo), Jessica, Amanda and Bekah and his great-grandson Theo. A Funeral service will be held at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham, MA, on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 12:30 pm. Shiva will take place at the home of Denise and Andrew Goodman following the service from 2-4 pm. If so moved, donations can be made to Simon Wiesenthal Center Simon Wiesenthal Center or Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help.