Chairman Emeritus, Floyd Ganassi (left) and Daniel A. Goetz in 2004.

Daniel A. Goetz was a dear friend of the Birmingham Foundation and the South Side community. Dan was instrumental in establishing the Foundation after the sale of the South Side Hospital to UPMC in 1996, and in its early years guided it on a path to success, which continues to this day. Dan served as first Chairman of the Foundation's Board of Directors, and then served as an active Chairman Emeritus from 2004 until his death. "It was an honor to sit on the board under the knowledge, leadership, guidance, and wisdom of Daniel Goetz," says Birmingham Foundation Board Secretary, Rev. Eileen Smith. "I always admired the way he diplomatically handled difficult situations. He was a man of great faith who loved his church. His friendship and kindness to me will never be forgotten."

Many people who met Dan felt his kindness and generosity immediately. Says board member, William T. "Jack" Simmons, "I have never met a man as kind, gentle, generous, dependable, compassionate, intelligent, thoughtful, helpful or unselfish as my departed friend and mentor, Daniel A. Goetz." He was a very open and thoughtful friend. He was a man of deep faith and a family man who worked hard to ensure his children grew up in a loving environment. Foundation Treasurer, Don Gordon says, "As a neighbor, one would observe his dedication to his family and positive environment for raising a daughter and three sons." Over the years, he proudly spoke of his children's accomplishments. This dedication and care extended to the South Side community and to those he worked with to improve the lives of others.

Dan was very considerate and would take the time to send out a card or pick up the phone to extend congratulations, concern, or advice. "I still have many of his handwritten notes of support and friendship that I treasure," says Birmingham Foundation Chair Terry Wirginis. He valued people and the work they did and made sure they knew he appreciated and cared for them. "After I became the Pastor of my church years ago," says Rev. Smith, "Dan always sent a donation to my struggling church – he remembered the anniversary of my pastorate every year." His willingness to spend time helping others is reflected in his years of selfless service to his family, to Stylette, the company he originally founded in South Side, and to the numerous community and nonprofit organizations he was involved with. His sensitivity and grace affected many people and will live on in the work of others he has touched deeply.

Goodbye, Dan, our 'good friend', and thank you for your dedication, compassion, and leadership.

~ From the Board and Staff of the Birmingham Foundation, with special thanks to Mark S. Bibro, Don Gordon, Mike Marcu, Ken McCrory, Jack Simmons, Rev. Eileen Smith and Terry Wirginis

October 2010