Road of remembrance: Academy Road, from Byberry Road to Nanton Drive, was renamed as the Michael R. Goodwin Sr. Memorial Highway. TOM WARING / TIMES PHOTO
A ceremony was held on Sunday morning to dedicate a portion of Academy Road as the Michael R. Goodwin Sr. Memorial Highway.
State Rep. Martina White (R-170th dist.) sponsored House Bill 1787, which renames Academy Road, from Byberry Road to Nanton Drive, in memory of Goodwin.
Michael Goodwin, who lived on the 12600 block of Friar Place in Parkwood, was working as a fire captain when he died in an April 2013 blaze at a South Philadelphia fabric store. Goodwin was stationed at Ladder 27, Engine 53, at 4th Street and Snyder Avenue in South Philadelphia. He was on the roof of a store on fire on the 700 block of S. 4th St. when the roof collapsed, killing him. He was 53 years old and a 29-year veteran of the fire department. He was posthumously promoted to battalion chief.
In addition to his work in the fire department, he was president of the church council at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Kensington.
Goodwin’s family attended the ceremony. He is survived by, among others, his wife, Kelly; son Michael Jr.; and daughter, Dorothy Dunn.
The Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums performed Anchors Aweigh and other patriotic and military hymns to honor Goodwin, a U.S. Navy veteran.
The Rev. William Chiriaco, pastor at St. Anselm Catholic Church, blessed the green and white Michael R. Goodwin Sr. Memorial Highway sign.
Also in attendance were White, City Councilman Brian O’Neill, Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel, a Boy Scout troop and members of Warriors’ Watch Riders. ••
