Paul Goode

A wonderful man, Paul Goode, passed away on August 22nd, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife of 64 years, Judith Goode, and the large family they created together. A Brooklyn boy from Sheepshead Bay, alum of Lincoln High School, devoted Dodgers fan and short order cook at Goody’s Luncheonette, Paul met Judy, a Forest Hills girl from the Bronx (who also loved the Dodgers), at a summer camp in Narrowsburg, New York in 1957. They married in 1960 and saw their relationship blossom while both worked on their higher degrees and found jobs in upstate New York, and, at the same time, began to build a family starting with the birth of their first son, Lawrence, in 1962. Andrew followed in 1966, and Joshua joined in 1969.  

After a B.A. in Psychology from Brooklyn College in 1959, Paul completed his M.A in Psychology at Syracuse University in 1962 and began working in a variety of school psychology positions in New York State where he was able to apply his skill in psychological diagnosis and develop a particular expertise in school psychology programs and special education. This experience led him to a doctoral program in school psychology at Temple University where he received his Ed.D. in 1972. With Judy beginning her near five-decade career as a professor in Temple University’s Department of Anthropology and Urban Studies, Paul focused his professional interests on developing special education programs throughout the Philadelphia area. His work led him to the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, the educational services provider for the county’s schools. There he spearheaded new and innovative programs dedicated to children with different and special needs. Under Paul’s leadership, the IU created new initiatives in the areas of assistive technology, autistic programs, preschool diagnostic and nutritional services, alternative programs for emotionally disturbed students, and the Prison Braille Project. As a result, Paul Goode earned a statewide reputation as a leader and advocate for exceptional children and the differently abled. He served as President of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association from 1981-1982 and continued to serve in leadership roles in many organizations.  

His calm, assured, joking and always reasonable guidance defined all aspects of Paul’s life, especially his cherished role as a father to his sons. He coached little league, served as an Indian Guide chief (he was, of course, “Big Bear”), spun long, elaborate jokes and stories, knew the definition of every word ever presented to him, knew the name of and how to use every tool in the toolbox. He could build things, he knew things and while he had values and opinions, he was a kind and open man to people and to ideas. Most obvious of all though was that he enjoyed his sons and their families openly and proudly to his last day. 

But, always for him there was Judy, his partner, mate, best friend and love of 67 years. They shared a bond defined by conversation, debate, theater, music, art, a conversion to Philly sports and most of all a mutual love of travel. Their trips that took them everywhere sometimes twice, sometimes dozens of times, often were more than visits but year-long stays. Paul and Judy share many places they call home. From early in their life living in Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia to Tokyo, Japan, the places they traveled, always together, defined them. Parts of all of these places remain in their home today, as paintings on the wall and in the stories of their travels that they love to tell. Paul Goode lived a great life, and his legacy remains in all the homes of his family and his many loved ones, Larry and his wife, Dana, their children, Carolyn and Jeremy; Andy and his wife, Karen, their children, Amelia and Bennett; and Josh and his wife, Karina Sterman, and their children, Milo and Anabel. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Funeral Services, Monday, 1 PM precisely at Goldsteins’ Rosenberg’s Funeral Directors, Inc., 6410 N. Broad St., Phila., PA. Int. Montefiore Cem. Following interment, all are invited to the Community Room at the Plaza. Shiva will continue Tuesday, 6:00 – 9:00 PM and Wednesday, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, at his late residence. Contributions in his memory may be made to HIAS, www.hias.org or Philabundance, www.philabundance.org