Donald James Goodman

Donald James Goodman passed away quietly in Naples, Florida on April 3rd, 2018, at the age of 101. He lived an extraordinary life that was rich in experience and in contribution to his country, his family and his community.

He was born January 21, 1917 in Lafayette, IN to James and Gertrude (Ledman) Goodman. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Chemical Engineering, class of ’38. He served in WWII under General George Patten, as a member of the 36th Field Artillery, earning the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. After the war, Donald met Clare Sacksteder through a blind date arranged by his sister Rosemary. They married in 1946 and lived in Middletown, OH where Don worked at the Sorg Paper Co, ultimately retiring as Mill Manager.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Middletown and was active in the Rotary Club and St. Vincent de Paul Society. He was one of the founders of Doty House, a school for special needs children. They retired to Naples in 1982 and were daily mass attendees at St. Ann Parish. They enjoyed golf, travel with the Friendship Force, socializing with friends and spending time with their family. Clare passed away in 2003.

Donald is survived by his 4 children, Kay, Mary (Jim) Kersteiner, Barbara (John) Eltzroth, and Donald (Michelle) Goodman, 10 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

A visitation will take place at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens from 5pm-7pm on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Naples at 10:30am on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, followed by interment at Naples Memorial Gardens.