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Norman Goodman Obituary

Goodman, Coach Norman Age 82, legendary Illinois high school basketball coach, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at RUSH Oak Park Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Maureen "Rene"; daughters, Debra Overturf, Marcy (Mark) Springhorn, and son, Brad (Debra Zapatka); three grandsons, Dr. Andrew Overturf, Alex Springhorn, and Matthew Springhorn; and his granddaughter, Lieutenant Callie Overturf, US Army. Upon his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Coach Goodman began his career coaching at a small high school in Athens, Michigan. In 1957, Coach Goodman accepted a position as a physical education teacher at East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, and in 1961 became the school's head basketball coach ­ a position he held until his retirement in 1990. As a teacher and coach, Norm Goodman touched and inspired thousands of young men and women. He has always been well respected and well loved, and fondly remembered and reminisced by former students and faculty alike. Norm placed the success of his kids, whether they were players on his team or students in his class, first before all other priorities. Coach Goodman's celebration of life will be held at Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home, 9568 Belmont Ave. Franklin Park, on Sunday, October 7th from 3:00pm to 9:00pm with eulogies from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. For info please call (847) 678-1950 or www.sax-tiedemann.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Oct. 5, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Norman Goodman

Not sure what to say?





Don Birner

September 29, 2023

I might mention that at our 50th Leyden class reunion our class president and BB team member Doug Ferguson in his address to the class mentioned that Norm was a Second Father to him at a time when it was most needed as well as others on the team. I was quite touched by that shared sentiment and felt that it was quite a public tribute to Coach Goodman by my fellow team mate.
Don Birner

Tony DeMayo (1967)

June 25, 2023

He was one of a few people who made a difference in the lives he touched!

Craig Treadway

February 21, 2013

So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad Brad. If you get this message then contact me at [email protected] my thoughts go to you and your family.

Don Southworth

November 18, 2012

Renee, I am so sorry I missed Norm's passing. I was in Italy at the time and I just found out today that he had died from Al Popowits. About a year ago, I was so fortunate to be able to spend time with Norm on Mondays at Gottlieb Health Club where he was doing some rehab. I think we sat together and chatted for about a half hour for about five or six weeks. I was so impressed that he was entering old age with such grace. I am so glad I had that time to spend with him before he died. I offer to you and the family my deepest sympathies. I was always just a fringe player on his teams yet he always had time for me as if I were one of his stars. I always appreciated that.

My condolences to you all.

Howard Wasserman

October 17, 2012

To Rene and all of Norm's family:

It was my privilege and honor to get to know and work with Norm for those few years. He was, above all, a great educator and I hope I'm still carrying some of that, even away from basketball.

Alav hashalom

Don Birner

October 11, 2012

Mrs. Goodman, I was quite saddened upon learning of Norm's passing. He was a major influence in my life and I am sure many others who played under his fine tutelege. My sincere and profoud sympathies at this time to you and your family.

May God bless you.

Don Birner (1964)

Jerry Shnay

October 10, 2012

More than a coach, Norm was a righteous human being. I always enjoyed watching East Leyden because of Norm.

Howard and pat Ischinger

October 9, 2012

Rest in peace, one of the finest teachers East Leyden ever had.

George Andrews

October 8, 2012

Norm was an Old School Teacher & Coach
He will be missed

Bob Larsen

October 7, 2012

Coach, Rest in peace good friend and mentor. And know that you have done well. You touched the lives of so many and you will not be forgotten.

Nicky Kraemer

October 7, 2012

Brad, even though I did not get much time to spend with your dad he sure made me feel special. Your wedding day has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life and I often think of Norm and I chatting it up like we had known each other for a lifetime. He instantly stole my heart. A very special man who can now talk sports with my hero dad. Peace and love to you and your family.....always.

Nancy Ciccone-Center

October 7, 2012

The Legendary Eagle is now Soaring. My Condolences to the Goodman Family on the passing of our Beloved Coach and Mentor.
Sincerely,
Nancy Ciccone-Center
ELHS Class Of '81

Sybil Bernstein

October 6, 2012

Rene, I was so sorry to hear about Norm. He was a part of my life for many years,growing up in the same neighborhood.I will always have wonderful memories of him. It sounds like you have a wonderful family. Ronnie,Fran and I will see you tomorrow nite. Fondly, Sybil Bernstein

Helen

October 5, 2012

Norman lived a long wonderful life. Psalm 90:10 explains "the days of our years are seventy, and because of specail mightiness they are eighty." Extending compassion to family and friends.

Lynn

October 5, 2012

I send my condolences.I am sure Mr.Goodman will be dearly missed.May the God of peace be with you in the days ahead(Romans 15:33).

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