Frank M. Goodman

Dr. Frank M. Goodman was a lifelong resident of the seaside community of Long Beach, California. He loved to tell stories about the fun he and his brother had as kids at the Pike, especially swimming all day at its huge indoor saltwater pool, the Plunge. Dr. Goodman learned to swim in the ocean without goggles. You got used to the sting, he would say.


Dr. Goodman attended the local schools and was always a conscientious worker. His first job was selling newspapers with his brother at the age of 5. Dr. Goodman knew the value of an education and understood that people learn in different ways and at their own pace. A local librarian helped him gain the confidence he needed in academics and promoted his lifelong interest in languages, Spanish in particular. This interest eventually led to a doctorate, the first in his family, based on his efforts as one of the founders of bilingual education in the state of California.


Dr. Goodman knew that it was important to educate by celebrating a student's heritage and community traditions. Young immigrants and first generation students naturally learn the local language and adopt the local culture. Preserving their native language and culture while building academic proficiency with dignity is more of a challenge under the great pressure to assimilate into a new environment, especially as a marginalized group. Dr. Goodman understood the ability of bilingual education to empower students and to bring together communities. It was always about sharing and appreciating others. Dr. Goodman was an early adopter and promoter of technology in the classroom. He had the vision to suggest changes to established educational practices in the best interest of his students. He collaborated with fellow educators throughout the Americas.


Dr. Goodman was a proud Woodrow Wilson High School graduate, where he helped manage the football team. Upon graduating, he joined the Navy and soon became an officer. Dr. Goodman served his country with love and continued his service as a reservist, in affiliated military organizations such as Sojourners, and as a selective service volunteer. Dr. Goodman was also a Freemason (Scottish Rite 32), an organization he enjoyed and whose brotherhood and philosophical teachings he felt helped them better serve their communities. Dr. Goodman attended college after finishing active duty with the Navy. He was one of the founders of TKE fraternity at Cal State University Long Beach, an organization whose charitable affiliation is St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.


Dr. Goodman was an optimist whose faith never waned. He was a great listener and extremely patient. He made you feel that you could do anything if you put your mind to it. He was a loving father, a devoted husband, and a beloved grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher, and friend. His wife of 50 years was the love of his life. Their love was one of deep affection, loyalty, and dedication. They held hands in old age with the same enthusiasm as on their first date. Theirs was a cross-cultural marriage with shared values. Their loving marriage produced a daughter and two grandsons. It was for them that Dr. Goodman lived on after his wife predeceased him. Dr. Goodman saw hope and love in future generations and cherished life. He never gave up appreciating its small but beautiful moments.


Thank you to everyone who believed in him and loved him.


He will be deeply missed.


In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Goodman's honor should be made to Meals on Wheels of Long Beach (https://mowlb.org/donate.cfm), a fabulous group of caring volunteers, and to the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific (http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/give), an organization which educates all ages scientifically as well as culturally while promoting the protection of our cherished marine life. The penguins were a favorite!