A day for sad news continues as word reaches us that everyone's favorite Lawyer cum Magician, palm reader, Boxing Aficionado, and dabbler in the occult has passed away.
Like Sy Gaer, Alvin was a true REGJB original. He could represent you, and make the Ace of Spades rise out of your shirt pocket. He delighted in charming the young children in Au Bon Pain (and the Pickle Barrel before that and Cazolas before that) with magic tricks.
Alvin was also very involved with boxing and was a well known and beloved figure in the boxing world. When he went to Las Vegas for championship fights, he was treated like royalty.
All in all we are glad we knew him, and we will miss him.
Goodbye old friend. Rest in Peace (when you're not palming a coin to pull out of someone's ear unexpectedly).
Rumpole.
Wow, another really nice post that will deteriorate into irrelevant and mean-spirited comments in about 2 hours.
ReplyDeletei can remember judge sepe stopping court and having al do magic trips. he was also a member of the royal order of witches and warlocks. he was something else and will be missed. i didnt know he was ill.
ReplyDeleteHe was such a kind person. God bless his soul.
ReplyDeletemay Al find peace....
ReplyDeleteAlvin was a great guy.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoyed working with him.
He will be missed.
Alvin was a fun guy to talk to.
ReplyDeleteI loved his magic tricks and his kind words for everyone.
I am sorry to say goodby to him.
Mike Catalano
Please someone, tell us the funeral arrangments.
ReplyDeleteI will post the details when I learn of them. There will be something in the Herald tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteA great guy and a great lawyer. He never had a bad word for anyone. May his family find strength in this time of sorrow.
ReplyDeleteI just saw him last week walking out of the building. What caused his passing?
ReplyDeleteMagical Al will be missed, even if he never mastered the trick of keeping all clients out of jail.
ReplyDeleteGuess that moves me even closer to the top of the seniority list.
is trialmaster roy black??
ReplyDeleteI went to Alvin's office one time
ReplyDeletewhen he took over a case I was working on and the boxing photos
he had of Ali and other greats
were awesome. Also a nice guy it
would be hard to not like.
ScottAfrica
Years ago I went to Vegas to see fights with him. He would entertain the children in the airports with magic shows. Alvin was a great guy and a true gentleman.
ReplyDeleteA brother in law that could not be matched! - Teacher of wonderous things - May you always have the world in the palm of your hands! Love to you - Camille
ReplyDeleteAlvin was a friend. I remember when I was a prosecutor and first met him, we had a long conversation about boxing. He never saw me without asking about my family and how they were doing. But like most of us, I enjoyed watching him do his magic for the children in the justice building. Just a few weeks ago, we were at the park in Pinecrest (the old Parrot Jungle) and there was Alvin performing for a group of kids at a birthday party.
ReplyDeleteGoing through life making children laugh and smile. That's a pretty wonderful legacy to leave.
Rest in peace friend.
It is very sad that Mr. Goodman was ill and that he felt that suicide was the answer. That was certainly his choice to make. However, how awful that he chose to end his life in his office, where his co-workers had to experience the sadness and trauma of hearing the shot that killed him. I think at this point, I feel a lot worse for them, and for Mr. Goodman's family, than I do for him.
ReplyDelete9:28 thanks for the compassion, jerk
ReplyDeleteHow very sad that he had to take his life if the 9:28 post is correct. Maybe he just didn't want to become a burden in his final days.
ReplyDeleteI have known Mr. Goodman since the time I was born. My Father Tony (The Great Toudiny) and Al have been friends for over 35 years. We were sadden to hear the bad news. He was a delightful man. Always
ReplyDeletefull of life. He would either be showing me a new magic trick or saying a new joke. I was always happy to see him. May his soul rest in peace and may his family find strength through this time of sorrow. It was a pleasure knowing you Al - My Father and I will miss you dearly!
Celisse Garcia
We have had such a colorful band of brothers (and sisters) at the building for years. i won't even attempt to name them cause i don't want to leave any out. Sy and Alvin come to mind immediately, though.
ReplyDeleteBroward seems only to be filled with sock-less, tie-less hacks who cower to all the judges. Is the only midly entertaining Broward lawyer Fred Haddad?
Help me out here JAABLOG.
12:49: I do have compassion - not only for Al, but also for the people who have to survive the aftermath of his suicide.
ReplyDeleteps- if you're so compassionate, why do you call other people names?
I am very sad to hear this end to Alvins life.
ReplyDelete(Ten years ago, some attorney friends spoke to me about a South Florida attorney who was involved in the practice of witchcraft as a sort of warlock and/or fortune teller/modern merlin type. I was told that this attorney engaged in all sorts of diabolical and ungodly practices)(having traveled many times across seas to give seminars and conferences on such topics, etc..
Then years later I finally was opposing counsel on one of his cases. When I met Alvin I asked him for some time (six non-billable hours) to discuss issues related to His relationship with God and His standing before the Creator. I tried for years to witness and get Alvin's attention and have him turn his life over to Christ so that he would enjoy a more abundant life. Even after numerous discussions and invitations to surrender to the Lord, He always put it off for another moment or another day!
The Lord tells us, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: but I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Jn 10:10
I pray that all other attorneys in South Florida who have an opportunity to come to Christ before the days turn bad, do so to avoid the deception of the Devil to cut life short and leave family and friends behind in total despair! Note: REMEMBER now your Creator in the days of your youth,
Before the difficult days come,
And the years draw near when you say,"I have no pleasure in them":Ecc. 12:1
For all others:
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Isaiah 55:6
God Speed,
Changing the World!
Alvin, may you rest in peace. May God have mercy on your soul. You will always be remembered as a Great person filled with, love, joy, jokes, magic, and many stories of all the famous people in your life. You touched hundreds of lives and helped many. I will miss all your sweet words, texts, magic, teachings and knowledge. You made many smile, laugh, and you will always live within my heart. We will meet again for you were a great friend to my family and I. I'll never understand your reason for what you did but I will always pray for your soul and your families peace. You will be missed alot, We Love you.
ReplyDeleteWhatever his religious beliefs, Alvin lived a more abundant life than most of us will ever know. He delighted in making people smile and laugh and had a kind word for everyone, even opposing counsel.
ReplyDeleteIt's my guess that he lived such a full and happy life that he didn't want it to end with a long painful drawn out illness that would dampen his wonderful spirit.
In addition to writing bonds for his clients for the past thirty years Alvin has been considered family to both my wife and I since he married us in 1987. Over the years we have spent many special times together enjoying each others company either at dinner or at one of his annual holiday parties watching him captivate everyones attention with the simplest of tricks or having him introduce us to one of the many interesting characters attending his event. Alvin truly loved each and every person he met and was probably the most spiritual person i've ever known.......I'm sure he is in a good place.
ReplyDeletemr. goodman was the greatest magician ive ever met. we'll all miss him at the pharmacy.
ReplyDeleteGotta love this blog. You can't post anything about anyone without someone criticizing the person. Now, some religious nut thinks Goodman's life was cut short by the devil because he didn't turn his life over to Christ (he probably thinks Goodman is going to hell as well). Wonderful.
ReplyDelete6:22.........he was a lot nicer than I would have been if he gave you more than 3 seconds.
ReplyDeleteTo 6:22:
ReplyDeleteGive it a rest and let Alvin R.I.P Must you prey on peoples fear of death and their sense of mortality in a disgusting attempt to convert them to your way of thinking? Are you so nearsighted that you can't accept the fact that people worship G-d in different ways? I believe in G-d. My G-d is not interested nor concerned with mans "created" religions but in the character of the man. What is more important to the all mighty, a belief in a person, diety, or symbol? Or is it the way you conduct your life? Please tell me you don't believe that only your way leads to "salvation"? If so how can you explain the atrocities that have occurred in the name of every religion for centuries and continue to this very day. Men of piety who do despicable things. Can they claim their place in heaven by submitting themselves to your belief system while the righteous man cannot simply because he worships the one and only supreme being differntly? G-d would never let that happen. It never ceases to amaze me how seemingly intelligent people can leave their intellect at the door when it comes to religion. Don't all theologies teach us to be tolerant of others? Accept others as they are? Why is a person's belief about a higher power more important than the moral fiber of that person? Fanatics of any kind no matter their basis are evil. They are intolerant, closeminded, and allow for all kinds of immoral behavior in the name of of their cause. We are at war because of this kind of thinking. We have a President due to this kind of thinking. So lighten up. Be more accepting of others. Could there be another way of thinking? Might you be wrong? It seems to me that all of the hundreds(?) of religions (and lack thereof) believe their way is the only way, most of them more ancient than yours. That's going to leave a whole lot of people out in the cold(hot). Maybe you should start bundling up or start a lemonade stand. Please stop quoting the Bible. Every lunatic, despot, and murderer uses the Bible to underscore his position. Quoting from the Bible to back up your position is like quoting statistics.You can get them to support anything no matter how cruel or inhumane.
My fondest memory of Alvin Goodman was when, as a rookie ASA, I did felony bond hearings on Christmas. Alvin had a client up for bond and appeared in Court. He did his magic tricks to entertain everyone and lighten up everyone's mood, as we weren't exactly thrilled to be working on Christmas Day. It worked, to say the least!
ReplyDeleteRest in peace.
MR GOODMAN YOU WERE :
ReplyDelete# 1 ATTORNEY
# 1 MAGICIAN
BUT
SPECIALLY # 1 FRIEND AND PERSON
WE WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH AT
MIAMI MAGIC AND MAGIC DINNERS
TONY GARCIA $ FAMILY
AND
ALL YOUR MAGIC FRIENDS
Yea thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy staf comfort me and I also have the Q. Thank you Q, Know the Q,Fear the Q,Love the Q, Hire the Q.
ReplyDeleteTo: 6:22
ReplyDeleteyour comments are well taken and make me think!!!
I hope others can appreciate your attempt to have others turn toward God and Family instead of prematurely cutting off with life and leaving a legacy of hopelessness to others.
If god is so great then why do the atrocities that occur everyday happen, are you meaning to tell me that among the victims of 9-11 there were none that worshipped god? they died a terrible tragic death regardless, let goodman RIP and take your bible to hell with you, thats what you deserve after ripping up a wonderful man who died at a very old age by his will and not this god of yours that you believe to be so great.
ReplyDeleteTo those who are quick to judge:
ReplyDeleteWhile it is true that suicide is wrong and is often falsely presented by the devil as a viable alternative, we are not to judge others or presume to know a soul's final judgment since such judgment is a subject matter over which only God has jurisdiction and we are not to attempt to set limits on God's eternal mercy.
Whether or not Alvin was involved in the occult or in witchcraft practices, which may very well be nothing more than a rumor, let's just take this as an opportunity to reflect upon our own lives and avoid giving ourselves over to any involvement with evil.
In any event, let's pray for Alvin's soul, for our own souls and for his family to have peace and consolation.
Grant him Lord eternal rest and may perpetual light shine unto him. Amen.
6:22
ReplyDeleteYour comments were in exceedinbgly poor taste. Anyway Number Chaper 6:22 is A Prayer which I offer to Alvin may G-D rest his soul.
22 The LORD said to Moses, 23 "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
24 " ' "The LORD bless you
and keep you;
25 the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
26 the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace." '
i met Alvin and he left a lasting impression on me. As a judge and lawyer is was superior..Sorry such a good man has gone so quickly...evelyn
ReplyDelete5:11..........who said anything about suicide?
ReplyDeleteMAY YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND ........YOU WERE ONE OF THE MOST MAGNIFICANT PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET IN MY LIFE AND IT WAS A HONOR TO KNOW SUCH A WONDERFUL HUMAN. I WILL MISS YOU DEARLY . MAY GOD BLESS YOUR SOUL .
ReplyDeleteA great Man is the perfect definition of what Mr. Goodman was.
ReplyDeleteHe never spoke badly upon anyone but instead always saw the better good in everyone.
I was at a Magic Dinner last night which Mr. Goodman was suppose to attend too and be
our MC - It was different not having his presence there. It's not the same without Al.
You always knew you could turn to him when you were having a bad day because his
jokes, magic, beliefs or stories would cheer you up. He was a wonderful friend to my Dad
and I'm happy my Father shared a friendship with him for over 30 years. He will be greatly
missed in our family. There was no one like him nor will there be anyone that could replace him.
May his spirit live with us by continuing his legend which was putting a smile on a strangers face.
Let us celebrate his life and live our lives the way he did with Joy, Laughter and Happiness.
It was an honor knowing you Mr. Goodman - We Love You!!!! God Bless You
Celisse Garcia
Alvin was an amazing man. Loving, giving, compassionate, funny, and full of life. This past Christmas Eve I gave him a hug, a kiss on the cheek, and told him that I loved him. I miss him so much.
ReplyDelete♥♥ I can't believe I'll never hear your voice,see your smiling face or be captivated by how you just pulled cards from behind my seat. My heart is broken Mr.Goodman. In a few short years I spent more time with you than that of my own father. You cheered me when all I wanted to do was cry. You made me see the good in people when I felt all the good was gone. You had such an amazing spirit that I admired and miss. For every single person you came into contact with you touched with your light. You had such an amazing gift that many will miss. When I think about you I feel warm and happy that I was blessed to have known such a man. To be in your presence was such an honor but for you it was just another day with someone you loved. You leave such a legacy behind. You set the bar so high and I only wish to have some of your amazing attriubutes that I admired so much in you. If I could be half the person you were I still don't think I could do you justice. As I sat through your service I just kept thinking this is one of his magic tricks....he's going to come through that door any minute now. But you didn't and then everyone left and I just sat there on the floor thinking I wish I had called him. I wish there was something more I could've done to reach you like you did for everyone else EVERYDAY! I'm so sorry I didn't call and I know you are in the best hands now. So will you please tell my grandparents how much I miss them too & tell them how you held their great-grandchild and how beautiful he is. You were beyond kind Mr.Goodman you were an ANGEL here on Earth....I believe.....Angels never die they are with us ALWAYS!!! So you be with us,protect us and help us to lead the life like the example you set before us. For me you deserved so much more than this life had to offer in the end and I'm not mad just sad. Sad that my son won't experience your world and love. I promise to teach him all that you have taught me and forgive me if I do make mistakes. You had such an uncanny ability to be so diplomatic at the hardest of times and I wish to have such abilities like that. And for my son. This is not goodbye.....this is until we met again.♥♥I LOVE YOU♥♥!
ReplyDeleteTo 6:22 Some people need the structure and control of a religion to learn how to be a loving, kind and compassionate being. Some people, like Alvin, were naturally born with.
ReplyDeleteGod smiles on people like Alvin who has touched so many lives in so many wonderful ways.
Dear 8:42
ReplyDeleteI don’t believe that 6:22 was supporting any religion. Christianity is not a religion – religion can distort things. He was simply telling us how he tried to witness to Mr. Goodman.
You say “my God is not interested in mans created religions but in the character of a man”. I’m just curious how you know what your God is interested in?
Yes – history has shown that there are some crazies that have committed atrocities in the name of God. But that does not mean they were correct. You see - Jesus tells us in John 16:2,3 that there will be some who, in their error, commit atrocities and murder in the name of God: "The time is coming that whosoever kills you will think that he does God service." However, He informs us that these are not true believers: "And these things will they do to you, because they have not known the Father, nor me." (See also 1 John 3:15.)
Jesus told His followers to love their enemies. So if a man puts a knife into someone’s back in the name of Christianity, something obviously isn’t right. If we human beings can detect it, how much more will God? He will deal with it on Judgment Day.
Someone asked why does God let bad things happen in the world? Well this question is probably as old as religion itself. It is a stumbling block for some of us, and for many more at given moments of tragedy. Here’s an answer to you - is that yes, God allows "bad" things to happen; but God does not cause them to happen. Most "bad" things which happen do so because God gives a radical freedom to God's people; we are free people, not puppets on a string. But God does not cause "bad" things to happen. God loves us and grieves with us in our pain when "bad things" happen.
Therefore, a better response is that God does not Will "bad" things to happen in life. Rather, "bad" things happen in the freedom that comes with the gift of life. When "bad" things happen to any of God's children, God is grieved and suffers with us, experienced most vividly in the hurt and suffering of Jesus the Christ for all humanity. Any "bad" thing which happens is never the last word. Rather, God is the deepest and last word, and that word is love and eternal life with God.
Perhaps you would be best served if you stop looking at religions and examine for yourself who God really is.
There’s a beginning point - that’s the Bible. I challenge you to disprove it – use all your intellect (you’ll need it) and “don’t leave it at the door”.
I pray that you find what 6:22 was trying to show Mr. Goodman.
We will miss you Alvin!
God Bless
As one of Alvin's sons, I appreciate all of your comments concerning my father. He was a unique individual and touched many lives. Alvin at heart was an entertainer and his references to warlocks and the occult was only part of his stage presence and not his belief. Alvin believed in one G-d and raised his children according to Jewish customs and traditions. His children have Jewish homes and are mourning his loss with the same customs as Jews have done for over 3,000 years. He will be greatly missed and the goodness of his soul will be carried in me throughout my journey in life.
ReplyDeleteMy Mother, Gail Carralero, worked for Al for many years at Goodman & Holtz(?) and read palms for him for many years. Your father was a huge part of my childhood. The last time I saw him, he regressed me to a life in WWII - he was one of a kind!
DeleteI hope you read this comment. I knew your father and he was, as you have heard over and over, a good man. Those of us privileged to know your Dad knew the warlock stuff was "schtick" and done with a wink and a smile.
ReplyDeleteAs I have said before, of all the "Mitzvahs" that your Dad performed in his life- some of the greatest I saw was bringing a smile to a child's face. Alvin saw many kids in the Justice Building. And a lot of them were there to see a parent who was in jail. And many of them were obviously troubled or sad, or crying. Well, when your Dad was around, and he saw that, a deck of cards would appear and in moments that child would be smiling with wonderment. Those simple acts of kindness were what defined your Father. A good and kind man.
MAY MR.GOODMAN..OUR FAVORITE LAWYER,MAGICIAN,MOST OF ALL OUR DEAR FRIEND.... REST IN PEACE
ReplyDelete~~~~~~~ HE IS A LEGEND ~~~~~~~~
WE SHALL KEEP HIS
SPIRIT ALIVE
HE WILL REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS
GOD BLESS
BUBBA & FAMILY
Rumpole, your comments really capture the essence of Alvin Goodman. Thanks. Linda and Larry Goodman
ReplyDeleteMR.GOODMAN YOU WERE THE #1 LAWYER AND PERSON I'VE EVER MET. YOU ALWAYS HELP ME OUT. I'LL MISS YOUR MAGIC TRICKS NOW THE WORLD IS IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDS. R.I.P AL YOU'LL BE MISS BUT NOT FORGOTEN.
ReplyDeleteAlvin was my boss when he was a young lawyer with Shevin, Goodman and Holtzman in downtown Miami. He attended my wedding, and a few years ago had dinner with me and my family. What a dear and wonderful man he was. I shall miss him greatly.
ReplyDeleteRIP, dearest Al
My heart goes out to his wife and children...........and I suppose grandchildren as well.
Moana
I was surprised to hear how Alvin ended his life... the way he did.I am proud to have known him for 12 years, always preaching about sprituality. when i think about him it gives me strength because a wordly, spiritual man like him had his weaknesses too. he must of been going through tough times. He was used to always being in control of his life. I am assuming; him aging and his sickness must of driven him to this. no one can have the answers of why???? but all i know is that
ReplyDeleteI conceider him to be one of the greatest human being i've ever met.
alvin you're always in my heart. thanks for giving me srength. i love you
Mr. Goodman was always a giver and still had a lot to share. I am grateful for his conversation and he is still missed
ReplyDeleteMr. Goodman was an unselfish giver and still had a lot to share. I am grateful for or conversations and he is still sorely missed.
ReplyDelete