Benjamin Goodman, a lawyer who was also a financier, died after a short illness. Goodman who was looking forward to celebrating his 100th birthday in March was 99 at the time of his death in Shreveport, the home he adopted following his evacuation from Hurricane Katrina seven years ago. He was a dedicated fisherman and had a boat to trawl the waters of the Gulf of Mexico for many years. But his biggest love of all was playing contract bridge, a game he still played regularly even in his twilight years. At one point he and his beloved wife Sally, to whom he was married for 38 years, traveled to tournaments across the country to play competitively with other partners. A native of New Orleans, Goodman was a member of Congregation Anshe S’Fard and attended cheder (Hebrew school) as a youngster. Following graduation from Warren Easton Senior High School, Goodman attended Tulane University as both an undergraduate in the College of Arts and Sciences and as a graduate of the School of Law. Goodman practiced law and became a sound investor. His zeal for living and his sharp sense of humor made him a beloved member of the community and especially within his own family. When his wife was struck with the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, he took special care of her, sharing lunch with her every day throughout her 16-year battle against the malady that eventually robbed her of most of her memories. Characterized by his playful spirit, Goodman drew great joy from his family as it grew over several decades to quite sizable proportions. Even though he was 92 when he first moved to Shreveport, Goodman became a fixture of the small Jewish community there, initially living with his physician son Carl. But within a few months, Goodman moved into another living space so as to not inconvenience his family members there. It was only two years ago he moved into an assisted living facility. Goodman is survived by sons Carl (Sylvia) Goodman of Shreveport, Malcolm (Connie) Goodman of Houston and Alan (Sherrie) Goodman, 10 grandchildren and 20 grandchildren.
Graveside services at Hebrew Rest Cemetery #3, 2100 Pelopidas Street, were conducted by Rabbi Uri Topolosky. Tharp-Sontheimer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Donations are suggested to the charity of your choice.
