Dr. Arnold Goodman Obituary (2014)

GOODMAN, Dr. Arnold, 56, lived life by fully embracing it, from the world of ideas to the great outdoors, and shared that enthusiasm with every person he touched. A respected ear, nose and throat physician for more than 20 years, Goodman was admired by doctors, loved by patients, and depended on by families as he did what he did best: caring for others. When Goodman was diagnosed with multiple myeloma more than eight years ago, after retiring from his active medical practice, he decided to help others suffering from this same incurable disease by writing medical articles, reaching out to patients, and raising money for awareness and treatment. The latter included founding and running the Paddle for a Cure race on the Hillsborough River in Tampa, an annual event attracting hundreds of kayak and paddle board participants that has raised more than $200,000 to date. Goodman was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, and came to Tampa 25 years ago. He grew up in Ft. Lauderdale. He advanced quickly through school, skipping a grade on his way to earning "Hall of Fame" honors at Nova High School. After graduating from Tulane University, Goodman earned his medical degree from the University of Miami, completed his residency at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, and earned a fellowship at the University of California-Davis in facial plastic surgery. Goodman came to Tampa to join a growing medical practice and helped patients at both University Community Hospital and Tampa General. Goodman is survived by his wife of 24 years, Merle; his son Sam and daughter Dori; his parents Dr. Stanley and Pearl Goodman from Ft. Lauderdale; and sisters Laurie Goodman from New York City and Nanette Goodman from Washington, DC. In a newspaper article profiling his annual Race for a Cure, Goodman remarked that multiple myeloma taught him to "take advantage of every moment". His life, his work, and his family stand in true tribute to that. Funeral services will be held Thursday, 9:00 AM at Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 2713 Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa. Interment will follow at Beth Israel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, www.themmrf.org/goodman