Professor Lee R. Goodman, age 91, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2023, with his beloved wife Phyllis, holding his hand.

He is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 34 years, and children, Cheryl Goodman, Karen Wiernik (Joe), and David Goodman, He is also survived by his dearly loved step children, David Daniels (Melissa), Douglas Daniels (Jennifer), and Donna (Jason) Hendrickson along with his very best friend and constant companion, Xena. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Lee was born July 21, 1931, in Highwood, IL. He had an amazing, happy, childhood growing up in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago where he made lifelong friends. He loved Chicago sports including the White Sox, Da Bears, the Bulls (when they won 6 rings) and the Blackhawks. He collected Chicago team jerseys, and sports memorabilia throughout his life, even after leaving Chicago moving to NW Indiana; Carmel Indiana; and finally to Florida in 2004.

Lee was an avid reader and loved history. He was constantly learning. Along with books, his Kindle, iPad and iPhone were his tools.
His music was also such a very important part of his life. He had playlists of favorites on his iPhone including opera, show tunes and classic music from the 50's to current which he enjoyed every day.

Lee attended the University of Chicago, Indiana State University and the University of Kentucky before starting his career as an educator. Lee was very active in Theta Chi Fraternity meeting brothers in travels around the world.

In the mid 50's, Lee taught in the Gary, Indiana public school system. In 1967 he joined the faculty at Purdue University Calumet in the Communication Dept. as Coordinator of Internships & Cooperative Education. Lee loving teaching. His students and associates loved his warmth, enthusiasm, positive personality, and beautiful smile. He received many student and faculty awards during his time at Purdue. He retired from Purdue as Professor Emeritus in 1995.

Lee loved and appreciated the many benefits of public television. In 1987, Lee was a founding member of PBS station WYIN (channel 56) in NW Indiana. He contributed on-air broadcast time as well as personal documentaries of his travels abroad, particularly China and the Canadian Rockies. Lee taught and loved radio, television and mass media, frequently arranging co-ops and internships to CBS, WBBM, WYIN, Chicago Advertising agencies and other media outlets for his students. Many of his students began their successful careers in radio, television & advertising with Lee's guidance and media network resources.

After retiring to Florida, Lee fell in love with all the little "critters" at the Marine Discovery Center and was a volunteer there until his death. He particularly loved the little turtles who he would pet and take for walks!

In 2012, Lee's life was so enriched when he became a Master Mason. He was a very active member of Lodge 149 in New Smyrna Beach. He loved his Brother Masons and the fellowship they shared until the end of his life.

One of Lee's passions was traveling - he was always looking for a new "adventure". He loved the beauty of nature and used his photographic skills to forever capture special scenes and memories. He never tired of meeting new "forever" friends during trips to Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia.

Lee's parents, David R and Sarah R Goodman and sister, Diane (Volk) preceded him in death. His first wife, Marlene Tokarz, mother of their three children, passed away in 2006.

Lee's life was a blessing and joy to his family and to so many friends for nearly 92 years. We will forever miss the love and happiness he brought into our lives.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 25, at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond, 733 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL. Rabbi Erin Boxt will officiate. Visitation will be on Saturday, June 24 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in Lee's name, to the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach, FL.