Gerard J. Goodman

Gerard J. "Jerry" Goodman, 81, of Phoenixville, PA passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at home.  

Born on November 17, 1941, in Philadelphia, PA he was the son of the late Abram "Jack" and Regina Marie (Ferry) Goodman. Jerry was affectionately known as "Uncle Books" by his many nieces and nephews who received his gifts of books throughout the years. He was an avid traveler through Europe (favorite place Ireland),  ‘adventure’ trips to to Argentina and Mexico, a life-long reader and an aficionado of art and design. Most of his conversational entrée points to family and new acquaintances was, “Have you read…” and then came his humor. He was greatly loved by his friends and family, including his “adopted” Philadelphia Himes Family, Long Island Hurley Family and his very special friends at Houghton-Mifflin. He will be terribly missed. 

Jerry served in the United States Navy (Kodiak, Alaska) continuing the tradition of being part of the nine veterans within the family including his brothers Dan and David. His life’s connections began in St. Joachim Parish (Frankford), Northeast Catholic High School and St. Joseph’s University. 

After graduating from St. Joe’s, he traveled through Europe for several months and returned home to accept his first job with the Philadelphia Bulletin. He then began his long and successful salesman career with Houghton-Mifflin Publishing Company, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Publishing, with office homes in Shaker Heights (OH), Hollywood (CA) and New York City.  He purchased a home in Haddonfield, NJ in 1990 where he enjoyed the ups and downs of home ownership and endeavored to create a “secret garden”, all while continuing his sales career. He retired in 2007 and spent his time visiting bookstores, gardening some more, taking short trips, keeping in touch with friends, and travelling to Florida in the winters (along with his books).  He always returned home to his family which included 12 nieces and nephews and 20 grand nieces and nephews.  He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Phoenixville, PA. He is survived by brother, David, husband of Josephine Goodman, and sisters, Suzanne Knapp (wife of the late Jim Knapp), and Mary T. Sullivan, wife of Bill Sullivan. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Daniel Goodman (surviving wife Marie) and Edward Goodman.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass in St. Ann Chapel, 604 Main St., Phoenixville, PA on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 11:00 AM. A visitation will be held in the Chapel on the same day from 9:45 to 10:45 am.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to Save the Children (savethechildren.org) or The Carter Center (cartercenter.org)