Alan Gardner Goodridge

1937 - 2025

Alan Gardner Goodridge

04/02/1937 - 08/08/2025

Alan G. Goodridge, 88, a noteworthy research biochemist, passed away peacefully following a short illness in Naples, FL, on August 8, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Alan's marriage to Rebecca Ann Funderburk lasted nearly 56 years until her death in 2016. They raised two sons, Alan G. Goodridge Jr. (Beth and grandson, Brandon), and Bryant C. Goodridge (Michelle and granddaughters, Alexis and Sophie).

Born on April 2, 1937, in Peabody, Massachusetts, to Lester and Gertrude Goodridge, he grew up with three siblings, Lester, Carl, and Mary Ellen, all of whom preceded him in death.

Alan enjoyed a stellar academic career. He attended Tufts University (1958) on a Navy ROTC scholarship, earning a BS degree in Biology. After serving 3 years as a Naval communications officer, he earned a Master's degree and a PhD in Zoology from the University of Michigan. He did post-graduate research in biochemistry at Harvard Medical School before becoming an Assistant Professor of Physiology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. His career included medical research in the Banting and Best Department at the University of Toronto; Professor of Pharmacology and Biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio; and Department Chair of Biochemistry at the University of Iowa, mentoring graduate students in his laboratory throughout.

In 1996, Alan switched from an academic to an administrative role for the remainder of his career, beginning as Dean of the College of Biological Sciences at The Ohio State University, followed by an appointment as Provost of the University of Toledo, Ohio. In 2007, he was recruited to become Provost and Acting President of Alfaisal University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Their goal was to establish the "Harvard of the Middle East," and Alan was instrumental in building four colleges: Life Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, and Business. Throughout his career, Alan was a widely published scholar in metabolism, endocrinology, and molecular biology.

From an early age, Alan developed a passion for birdwatching and collecting butterflies and moths. At one point, his butterfly collection exceeded 15,000 specimens, which he donated to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.

Passionate about classical music and opera, he served as a Trustee of the Toledo Opera Association. He was also a supporter and collector of local artists from the Toledo visual arts community. Additionally, Alan never met a daily crossword puzzle he could not solve-in ink! Besides world travel, his greatest passion was collecting and enjoying fine wine after his first taste of a good Burgundy as a post-graduate student. He took great pleasure in sharing his wines with friends.

Alan continued his quest for fine dining and wines as a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in Toledo and Naples. It was in Naples that he sat next to Lacey King at a Chaîne event and became captivated by her. They married in 2018, officiated by the then-Mayor of Naples. They have resided in Naples ever since.

Alan was respected as a man of utmost integrity and admired for his intellect, knowledge of just about any subject, and unstinting generosity. He will be greatly missed by his family and many who felt deeply honored to be called his friends.

A celebration of life will be held in the fall. Memorial donations may be made to the Audubon Society at Audubon.org. Messages of sympathy may be expressed on Legacy.com.

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