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Andrew Harry Goodman

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University of Virginia

Andrew Goodman Obituary

GOODMAN

ANDREW HARRY GOODMAN (Age 76)

Andrew "Andy" Harry Goodman of Reston, Virginia passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Reston Hospital Center. A longtime Restonian – one of its pioneers – Andy was born on June 16, 1946 in Norfolk, VA to parents Thomas Robert Goodman and Ruth Legum Goodman, who raised him in nearby Portsmouth. Andy received an A.B. in History from Franklin & Marshall College in 1968 and a J.D. from the University of Virginia in 1971.

As an attorney, he was fiercely committed to his practice and to his clients, and just last year proudly completed 50 years as an active member of the Virginia State Bar. He was also dedicated to community work, having served in the Reston Lions Club since 1975.

Andy enjoyed reading, geography, running errands, and trivia (outcompeting Jeopardy! contestants on a nightly basis). He was a rabid fan of all the Washington area professional sports teams, as well as the sports teams from his two alma maters. A real "mensch," Andy will be remembered and sorely missed for his kindness, quirkiness, reliability, intelligence, and, above all, a quick and witty sense of humor that established instant rapport with literally anyone that he encountered.

Andy is survived by his longtime partner Elizabeth Arons; daughter Elizabeth "Betsy" G. Goodwin and son-in-law Matthew M. Goodwin; son Thomas "Tommy" R. Goodman and daughter-in-law Liudmila Batista; granddaughters Sarah A. Goodwin and Hailey R. Goodwin; and brother Jerrold W. Goodman. Andy is also survived by Estelle Zedd Goodman, the mother of his children. He is preceded in death by his parents as well as his brother Edward J. Goodman.

Andy's impact on the world was unquestionable, and his unique legacy will live on in the hearts of all family members and the many, many friends that loved him so dearly.

Services private. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his honor to the Reston Lions Club or Legal Aid of Virginia.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on May 25, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Goodman

18 Entries

Phil Lilienthal

June 10, 2025

Andy was my go-to legal colleague and friend. He was always willing to listen, chat, and give considered advice. I loved my access to him and his recommendations on which specialist to use for a given case. I am embarrassed at not having heard about his passing until 2 years after the fact and, then, only because a friend I referred to him said that, when she called his office, it sounded like he was no longer alive. My condolences. May his memory truly be a blessing. It is to me.

Cherie Morris

August 16, 2023

I met Andy when a mutual client needed support during divorce. He was fully supportive of the need for coaching for the client at a time many of his generation would not understand it. His ability to bring his compassion and humor to the situation will be with me forever and I can only hope for many more interactions like the ones I had with him with other members of the family law bar.

Larry Forstetr

July 10, 2023

Andy was a dear friend, fraternity brother, and roommate. We spoke often and we could talk endlessly about things without having spoken to each other for months, I will miss this connection that only good friends can provide.

Sue Beffel

June 30, 2023

Andy, you have left us so many smiles and grateful tears! I was introduced to Andy by my late husband Ted when I joined him in attending Lions. Andy's finely-tuned humor was the hit of every meeting, while his compassion for others helped us focus on our goals. Later, when I joined Lions, and when Ted was frequently hospitalized for diabetes..., Andy always supported and encouraged us. May the warmth of his smile continue to be a blessing to all.

Cherise Cuevas Loy

June 7, 2023

Andy, your warm smiles, happy countenance & joy could be felt by any who encountered you. I count myself blessed for having had the chance to share some laughs with you. Comfort to your family as your loss is and will be deeply felt by so many.

Doug Wessel

May 28, 2023

Ahh, that knowing smile and razor-sharp intelligence. His joy with clever quips and observations of humans. Was a real pleasure, good man. A real pleasure. Forever blessings to you and your family, Andy.

Paul Smollar

May 28, 2023

A brilliant, inspiring, kind and empathetic person, he made a difference in the lives of those he knew professionally and in the lives and families of his clients.

Brian O'Connor

May 28, 2023

Andy was a mensch. He was knowledgeable in the law, civil, and a pleasure to work with. His quick humor is legendary. I have learned he never forgot a family member´s birthday and always sent (as least to adult relatives!) the funniest, grossest cards he could find. He is missed by all who of us who had the pleasure to know him.

James Cottrell

May 28, 2023

I have known Andy since almost the time I began practicing. He was unfailingly professional, a worthy advocate, and always friendly. He possessed a refined sense of humor. I always enjoyed working with him. God rest him and comfort all who feel his loss.

michael valentine

May 27, 2023

Andy was, as Alan put it, one of the good ones. I always looked forward to seeing him.

Joe Rohrbaugh

May 27, 2023

As a fellow member of the Reston Lions Club, I've known Andy for 47 Years. His passing is such a shock :( He was a gentle, compassionate, and funny man. I last saw him only late last month, when we did a Lions road trash pickup together. Rest In Peace, dear friend.

Roy Tesler

May 26, 2023

Truly a good man and a fine lawyer. I always wanted to have the opportunity to know Andy better than I did. He will be missed.

Mehagen McRae

May 26, 2023

Such a sad day learning that Andy is no longer with us! I always enjoyed his great sense of humor, ability to tell a great story, and time he was willing to give to others. I always enjoyed having him as an opposing counsel because I knew that we would get the case resolved and have fun in the process. He was a man who loved and cherished his family and always spoke so highly of them and how lucky he was to have them. He would often tell me he did not know what he did to get so lucky to have the family that he had. Truly sad that he is not with us anymore.

Alan Plevy

May 26, 2023

Andy is one of the "good one's". He treated everyone with respect and kindness whether as counsel, opponent or Commissioner in Chancery. He will be surely missed by those who walked with him; family, clients and colleagues. Goodbye my friend.

Susan Pesner

May 26, 2023

Andy will be missed by all those who knew him and especially by his law firm family (Pesner Altmiller Melnick DeMers & Steele).

Steve Moriarty

May 26, 2023

I never heard a cross word from Andy (although I may have always caught him on his many good days). He was a good lawyer and a fine gentleman.

Arlene Starace

May 26, 2023

I knew Andy for many years, as a friend and colleague. He truly was a " mensch". We had many family law cases together. I´m so sorry he is gone so soon. I will miss him.

Vivian haas

May 25, 2023

Dear jerry, and judy, my sincere sympathy on your loss. I hope you will have many good memories to sustain you during this time. Please know that I am thinking of you.
sincerely.
Vivian haas

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results