Remembering Allen Maurice Goodman

Information about services to be held Friday, September 13 can be found by visiting https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/hawthorne-ny/allen-goodman-11980895

Allen Maurice Goodman, born on January 21, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, to Gussie and William Goodman, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the youngest of four children and the only son, predeceased by his sisters Francine, Harriet, and Rhoda.

In 1948, Allen joined his father’s business, Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co., on Pulaski Street in Brooklyn, where he built it into a thriving company, eventually moving the business to Yonkers. The company, now located in New Jersey, is currently led by the third and fourth generation of family ownership. Allen worked there into his 90’s, helping with collection calls and providing advice and counsel to his children and grandchildren; he took great pride in his role in this family legacy.

Allen also served his beloved country as a proud veteran of the Korean War, where he ran a post exchange (PX) for his fellow servicemen, contributing to the well-being of those stationed with him. He was honorably discharged on June 4, 1953.

On February 3, 1951, Allen married the love of his life, Edith Stark, and together they shared an incredible 73 years of marriage. He was predeceased by his daughter, Joanne, in 2016. Allen is survived by his beloved wife Edy, his son Bill (Eva) Goodman, and seven adoring grandchildren: Steven (Lisa) Sherman, Traci (Brendon) Cohen, Keith (Sara Kratzok) Goodman, Taryn (Jeff) Chambrovich, Mark (Elyssa Wright) Goodman, Michael (Caroline Student) Zaiss, and Zoe (Kenny Bourgon) Zaiss. Allen also leaves behind nine cherished great-grandchildren: Maxx, Alexa, Andrew, Jacob, Benjamin, Jace, Levi, Tyler, and Giordan.

Allen was a man of many passions. He was an extremely talented handyman, known for building model boats from kits and fixing just about anything. A lover of cars, his all time favorite was his 1959 Lincoln Continental hardtop convertible. He loved photography and videography, and could always be counted on to print out many photos of his great-grandchildren. Allen proudly sported his gold Rivet King belt buckle and brightly-colored Rivet King-branded polo shirts, which became his signature look. In his younger years, Allen enjoyed playing golf at the country club, and spent many beloved summers at the Lapidus bungalow colony in upstate New York. Florida was also a big part of Allen’s life, where he would travel frequently starting in the 1970s, eventually becoming a true snowbird and staying in Hallandale for the entire winter season for many years. He and Edy had a very active social life with their close friends, who were like family.

He was also a founding member of Temple Beth El in City Island, NY, where he helped build the original synagogue building. He was a “meat and potatoes” kind of guy who made an excellent Arnold Palmer and took great care of those around him, especially his family. He was incredibly close to his kids and grandchildren. 

Allen had a wonderful sense of humor and often said, “I’ll stop coming to the office when I’m 100.” Although he fell short of that lofty goal, he led a full and extraordinary life, leaving a lasting legacy. His loved ones will fondly remember him as a “Good man,” a phrase many used in reference to his last name, but one that rang true in every sense.

A service to honor Allen’s life will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 8:45 a.m. at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 100 Saw Mill River Road, Hawthorne, NY 10532. Burial will follow immediately at Wellwood Cemetery, 1400 Wellwood Ave, Babylon, NY 11704.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Temple Beth El in City Island, NY or the Wounded Warriors Project, in honor of Allen’s memory.