Dr. Irvin H. Goodman passed away on June 28, 2024, surrounded by family, at his home in Montgomery. He is survived by his beloved wife Beatrice (née Shenker), children, and grandchildren. He was the devoted father of Edward (Julie) Goodman, Lynn (Dr. Benjamin) Kaseff, James (Dr. Joanne) Goodman, and Debrasusan (Kevin) Rohrbaugh, and the loving grandfather of Michael Maslov, Jonathan Kaseff, and Elizabeth Goodman.
Irvin was the only child of the late David and Jennie Goodman (née Present). He was born in Cincinnati on December 2, 1937.
Irv and Bea met on a blind date when they went to see “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” “Moon River” from the movie soundtrack became their song. They were married in Columbus, OH on August 12, 1962, and raised their four children together. They were inseparable for over 60 years.
He grew up in Avondale, and graduated from Hughes High School in 1955. After high school, Irv held the position of Analytical and Control Chemist at the Wm. S. Merrel Drug Co. where he was encouraged to pursue a career in pharmacy. Upon graduating from the University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy in 1960, he became a Registered Pharmacist. He was a member of the Eta chapter of Alpha Zeta Omega Pharmaceutical Fraternity while attending U.C. and later served as its Vice President. In 2007, he was named the Man of the Year by the AZO Eta chapter.
Dr. Goodman was on the staff of the Jewish Hospitals of Cincinnati for 37 years, serving as the Director of Pharmacy Services for 22 years, covering both Jewish Hospitals. He was an Adjunct Affiliate of the Medical Staff in the Department of Internal Medicine. He served as Chairman of Vendor Selection and Quality Assurance for the National Consortium of Jewish Hospitals. For many years, he served as an Adjunct Instructor of Pharmacy Practice at U.C. He retired from Jewish Hospital in 1997 when the Burnett Avenue hospital closed.
Often having more than one job, Irv was also the Director of Pharmacy Services and Purchasing for Sheltering Oaks Hospital, and Director of Pharmacy Services at the Villa Hope Extended Care Facility in Clifton.
A prolific writer and editor, in 1976 he founded a medical/pharmacy publishing company, Rx-Data-Pac Service, which published 7 monthly periodicals, enjoying subscribers in every state in the U.S. and numerous foreign countries. He wrote “Healthy Humor,” a syndicated newspaper column appearing in 50 newspapers throughout the U.S. Dr. Goodman authored 6 volumes on Hospital Pharmacy Administration and Management.
He was awarded a Fellowship in the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists and was a long time member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and American Institute of the History of Pharmacy.
An avid photographer, Irv earned a Certificate from the New York Institute of Photography and helped finance his college education by taking professional pictures of Greater Cincinnati, which were used to produce scenic picture postcards sold in local stores.
A long time patron of the arts, Irv and Bea were season ticket holders for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Broadway Series, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.
Irv was a fan of all types of music, particularly pop hits of the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, as well as classic Country and Western. He was a Gold season ticket member at Riverbend Music Center and enjoyed attending any concert on the schedule. He was also a huge Disney fan and became an early member of the Disney Vacation Club. In retirement, Irv and Bea enjoyed frequent trips to Disney parks and properties.
Additionally, Irv was a passionate collector of pharmacy memorabilia, books, stamps, coins and other antiques.
He was a long time member of the Northern Hills Synagogue. In the early years of the congregation, he served as the Facilities Chairman and Ritual Chairman, and as a member of the Board of Trustees.
Services were held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Weil Kahn Funeral Home, with the burial at Love Brothers Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Northern Hills Synagogue, Hospice of Cincinnati, or the charity of one’s choice.
