Alvin S. Goodman, 88, of Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County died on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. He was a former journalist, retired state employee, and professional musician.

Born February 3, 1933 in Scranton, PA, he was the son of Morris and Bessie Weinberg Goodman. He was a graduate of Technical High School (1950), received a BA degree in 1954 and was one of three students to receive the first MA degree in journalism in 1955 from The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. 

Al was editor of The National Jewish Post & Opinion, Indianapolis, IN (1955-1957) and general assignment reporter for The Titusville (PA) Herald (1957-1962). He joined the PA Department of Health as an information writer and editor, was the first public information officer of the Office for the Blind, PA Department of Public Welfare (1967-1970), film librarian and audio-visual director of DPW (1970-1972); director of the DPW Publications Division and coordinator of photographic services (1972-1983) and Business Enterprises Agent in the DPW Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (1983-1991), retiring after 30 years of state service.

Al was a 50+ year member of the Masonic fraternity in the Harrisburg area. He joined Paxton Lodge #798 in January 1965, served three terms as Worshipful Master and eight years as Secretary. He was currently a Past Master and organist of Harrisburg-Snyder Lodge #629; a 50+ year member of Harrisburg Consistory and its Choir; and a 50+ year member of Harrisburg Forest #43, Tall Cedars of Lebanon.

Other Masonic memberships included organist of the Zembo Shrine (2000 to present), Past High Priest of Perseverance Chapter #21, Royal Arch Masons; Past Thrice Potent Master, Harrisburg Lodge of Perfection; Harrisburg Chapter 76, National Sojourners and York Camp, Heroes of ’76; Grand Organist, Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of PA; organist, PA Council of Deliberation, Past Patron and current member of Harrisburg Chapter 552, Order of Eastern Star; Past Royal Patron and musician, Willard-Waterman Court 54, Order of Amaranth, Mechanicsburg; Past Grand Musician and current Deputy Grand Royal Patron; OES regional representative to the Lebanon VA Medical Center (2018-2019) and Past Grand Organist, Grand Council of Royal and Select Master Masons. He received his 33 degree from Supreme Council of Scottish Rite in 1990 at Milwaukee.

Al was a charter member of the Zembo Nobles of Note Dance Orchestra (1981); former percussionist of the Zembo Band and glockenspiel player and Past President of the Zembo Oriental Band. He was also a charter member of the Old-World Folk Band; a 33-year member of Beth El Temple and its choir; a current member of Chisuk Emuna Congregation; and the JCC Senior Adult Club. He was named Volunteer of the Year 2009 by the Harrisburg Lions Club. He was a former board member and secretary of Vision Services of Central Pennsylvania, formerly the Tri-County Association for the Blind.

He was emcee of entertainment at the former Tall Cedars Pancake Jamboree in the Zembo Shrine Center for thirty-three years (1967-1999), which raised money for muscular dystrophy research and treatment.

Al performed with a number of local dance bands and combos, including the Hotel Hershey House Band, Rhythm Aces, a Band of Brothers, Old Pros, and his own band, the Al Goodman Orchestra. He enjoyed playing piano as a volunteer at Senior Adult Clubs, nursing homes, and retirement villages.

He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph L. Goodman, and a sister, Anita (Mrs. Henry) Pisarz. Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Iris Regenbogen Goodman; two sons, William H. (Robin) and Seth J. (Beth); six grandchildren, Joshua M. (Amanda), Ashley E. (Mrs. Aaron) Shayter, Elijah, Alec, Daniel, and Connor Goodman; and one great granddaughter, Maci A. Goodman.

Graveside services were held at 3:00pm on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Beth El Cemetery, Harrisburg, PA.Arrangements under the care of the Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home, 3125 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17109.

Memorial contributions in Al’s honor may be made to the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or to the Humane Society of Harrisburg, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111.