Obituary of Michael S. Goodness

Michael was a social worker and devoted his life to helping others, especially individuals with disabilities. His life's work was people. Serving individuals and their families was something that he committed his career to, and he was known for meeting people where they needed him most. He was a part time therapist at Arc of Monroe, and a school social worker at Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES, from where he retired in 2007. Previously he was a therapist at Rochester Rehabilitation Center, a field instructor for the University of Maine and SUNY Brockport. In Wayne County, he worked with child protective services, visiting homes and doing some of the most courageous (and emotionally hazardous) work necessary to protect the vulnerable from their traumatic circumstances. As a therapist for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Michael offered opportunities for people that are often ignored or marginalized to express themselves and identify personal needs. He was an advocate, actively invested in ensuring that those who deserve the right of mutual respect were heard and regarded as adults. This regard for others Michael brought home every single day. He passed it on to his kids in times of upset and distress. This is one example of how Michael's legacy of love and empathy impacted those around him. Infectiously calming and encouraging perspective thought. He met his wife, Gaie, at Rochester Rehabilitation Center. They shared four jobs together over the years. They were married on November 22, 1986, and had Elliott in 1989 and Elizabeth in 1992. Michael was a devoted husband and father. His family meant everything to him. The family loved to camp, hike, sail, ski, watch movies, and play music together. The Goodnesses have been members of the Red Jacket Yacht Club since 1995, enjoying strong friendships and fun activities. Although he would not call himself a religious man, he supported the family connection with St. John's Episcopal Church in Honeoye Falls, and attended on holidays. Michael had a strong circle of family friends, many of which formed when his children were growing up. These relationships only grew stronger as kids continued to grow and eventually move away. Other friendship circles have lasted since Gaie and Michael met. Michael graduated from Pal Mac High School in 1963, St. John Fisher in 1967 with a business degree, and obtained his MSW from Syracuse University in the 70's. He was an avid little league pitcher when growing up, but traded sports for an electric guitar and a rock band in high school and college. Michael had the 'Goodness musical gift', inherited from his father- an organist in the 'big band' era. Michael's first band, The Regals, played at local bars all over Canandaigua and Wayne County. Later on, he and his daughter, Lizzie, a drummer, (also inheriting the Goodness music gene) played in Raintree; a band formed by Michael and close friends, Paul Tesse, and Chris Gunther. Raintree played gigs at Red Jacket Yacht Club, as well as various other venues. Michael was also a professional photographer, photographing weddings and auto races. He had photos published in Auto Week. He was an enthusiastic hiker and camper, which he passed on to his kids. He also had a passion for sailing, and brought the family into the sport, sailing his 30 ft. C&C, Impetuous, up and down Cayuga Lake for weeks at a time. Michael was a family man in all definitions of the phrase. He was a steady and rock solid hearth and home for his wife and two children; always ready and waiting in all corners to receive and support his family with open arms. Michael knew that the best possible love you can provide, is being present, open minded, and reassuring. He will be missed dearly by his family and a multitude of friends. He left this world a better place.