Michael R. Goodwin Sr. was known to all as one of the good guys. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Mike proudly served the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1983. In September of that year he joined the Philadelphia Fire Department, something he had aspired to do all his life.

Mike married his adoring wife, Kelly, and they shared 30 years of true love. Daughter Dorothy and son Michael Jr. completed the family. During these happy years Mike was an active member and council president of his family church where he was married and his children and grandchildren were baptized. The family scheduled their lives around the fire department routine knowing that Mike’s dedication to the safety of the citizens was a priority.

Mike rose through the ranks and was promoted to lieutenant in 2003 and then again to captain in 2008, receiving three unit citations along the way. Prior to his death, Mike was on the list to be promoted to the rank of battalion chief, and he received the promotion posthumously. He was proud to work alongside the men and women of the department. In fact, nothing made Mike happier than his work, except the love of his family. He had such pride in his son, Michael, when he was accepted to Penn State University. When his daughter, Dorothy, married Tim Dunn, Mike joyously escorted her down the aisle. Mike and Kelly welcomed grandson Timmy Jr. and granddaughter Bailey and expected years of helping to raise and enjoy their grandchildren together.

But that was not to be. On April 6, 2013, Michael R. Goodwin Sr. answered his last call. That afternoon he kissed Kelly goodbye and went to work for the last time. Kelly, Dorothy, Tim, Michael, his grandchildren, and all of the family miss him every day and know that he will be their hero forever.