Robert D. Goodman

Robert D. Goodman passed away on April 1, 2010, and Madison mourns the loss of one its best known and loved citizens.   Bob was born on June 28, 1919 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the second of two sons of Belle and Harry Goodman.  He always had a smile on his face, was quick with a joke, and genuinely enjoyed people and life.      Bob Goodman was a legendary local softball and baseball player and he was chosen as one of the all-time best Madison area outfielders by the Wisconsin State Journal.   Bob was inducted into the Madison Sports Hall of Fame in 1981 and he served on the National Olympic Committee.      Bob joined his brother, Irwin A. Goodman, as an owner of Goodman Jeweler's on State Street in Madison in 1939 and the two brothers have left a lasting impression and impact on our city.   Deeply committed to their community, Bob and Irwin's philanthropy to the people of Madison has been truly remarkable.        Bob will be remembered for his kindness and generosity and for the care he demonstrated to our community.   Bob and Irwin Goodman made countless contributions during the last 70 years , and these include: Madison's first community swimming pool (Goodman Pool); the University of Wisconsin ""Goodman Diamond"" women's softball stadium; the Atwood Community Center new building (in recognition of this support the name has been changed to the Goodman Community Center);   the 154 acre Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Jewish Community Campus in Verona that serves all of Madison and Dane County; established major scholarships through the UW-Madison Foundation; established the Goodman Rotary 50+ Program that provides healthy lifestyle instruction to over 3,000 seniors annually in the Madison area through the Madison School and Community Recreation Program, this program is recognized for excellence; established an endowed scholarship program at Edgewood College; established the Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Fund within the United Way of Dane County Foundation; supported HospiceCare since its inception; established endowment funds at Temple Beth El and Beth Israel Center, and the Madison Jewish Community Council; established the educational building at Temple Beth El; dedicated the sanctuary at Temple Beth El in loving memory to his parents, Harry J. and Belle Goodman; endowed the Jewish Social Services' Lechayim lunch program that now carries the name of Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman; provided funding for the 3.25 mile Rotary Jogging Path in Downtown Madison.   Bob's history of kindness, honesty and generous service will continue through the brothers' many gifts to, and investments in, our community.      Bob was recognized numerous times for his business leadership, philanthropy and volunteer activities.   Among his recognitions are: the award of a Doctor of Humanities Honorary Degree from Edgewood College; recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award; recipient of the Philanthropist of the Year Award; the City of Madison renamed Franklin Field the Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Park; the 200 Block of State Street has been designated as Goodman Plaza (marked with a plaque) in recognition of leadership and contributions to Madison; named one of the Outstanding Citizens of Madison by several magazines; recipient of the first Women in Sports Club Award for contributions to the Women's Athletic Program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison; recipient of the United Way's Alexis de Tocqueville Award; elected lifetime honorary member of the Madison Jewish Community Council Board of Directors; recipient of the Alex Temkin Distinguished Service Award; recipient of the Madison Pen and Mike Club - Bowman Sports Foundation Pat O'Dea Award;   recipient of the Small Business Award by In Business magazine; recipient of the Rotary Manfred F. Swarsensky Humanitarian Service Award; recipient of the Rotary Joseph G. Werner Meritorious Service Award; designated an International Rotary Paul Harris Fellow; recipient of the W Club Award for Outstanding Service to the University of Wisconsin-Madison; named as one of the fifty people who have made the biggest difference in Madison in the past fifty years, and many additional recognitions.      Bob's brother, Irwin A. Goodman, preceded him in death on August 30, 2009.   Many cousins and innumerable friends survive Bob.   Although he is physically no longer with us, he will always be remembered, and his generosity will continue to benefit Madison, the city he loved, and that loved him.      There will be a private memorial and burial service for family members only.   Memorials may be made to the Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Foundation, c/o US Bank, P.O. Box 7900, Madison, WI 53707, or the charity of the donor's choice.