It is with great sadness that we share the untimely passing of our dear friend and partner, Larry Goodman. Larry, 61, passed away on January 1, 2019 after a short courageous battle with cancer.
Larry had many talents — jazz saxophone, flute, koi whisperer, orchid/palm landscape gardener, intellectual curiosity and fitness enthusiast. He had many roles — husband, father, Zayde, son, lawyer, Uncle, friend. He is survived by Linda (McAnelly), his wife of 39 years; his children Aisha (Corey Cherr), Graham, Eli and Kaija Goodman; his grandchildren, Nalina, Leon, Kyran and Auden Cherr; his mother Carol Goodman; his mother-in-law, Auldine McAnelly; his twin brother Don and sisters, Cheryl and Laila (Barry Moir); his brothers-in-law Jack and Ray McAnelly, and many loved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Alvin Goodman, step-father Theodore Goldberg and father-in-law Charles McAnelly.
Larry was a nexus of ideas, passions, and laughter. Larry and Linda’s house was a popular hangout spot and safe haven for their children and their friends. A night with Larry often included saxophone playing, a quiz on a particular piece of music, and a tour of his cultivated jungle while he cleaned dead palm leaves, hosed down the patio, and tended to his orchids. He was the master of the grill and the Big Green Egg smoker while often discussing Biblical criticism, politics, U of M football, and current arts and culture. Larry’s creative and inquisitive nature had a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Larry graduated from Hollywood Hills High School in 1975 and after a year stint at FSU, he enrolled at North Texas State University to study jazz. He met Linda, the love of his life, in Denton, Texas, just a few days before moving back to Miami. After many months of letter writing, he returned to Texas and Larry and Linda were married there in 1979.
Larry graduated from The University of Miami School of Law in 1987. He was a clerk for US District Court Judge James Lawrence King from 1987-1988. After several years, he created the Devine Goodman Rasco and Watts-FitzGerald law firm with life-long friend John Devine. Larry served many organizations including Temple Beth Or, The Florida Bar, Miami Music Association and the B’nei Brith Bench and Bar.
Larry Goodman was cut from the same cloth as our most sacred ancestors; the depth of his heart matched, if not exceeded, the breadth of his brilliant mind. He left an indelible footprint on all that he made contact with in his life. He modeled for each of us how to live a life of depth and integrity, greatness and goodness flowed forth from this remarkable man.
Larry’s life was blessed with family, friends, success and much joy. We will carry his spirit with us.
Dignity Memorial: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/miami-fl/lawrence-goodman-8106142