📣 Summit speaks up

George Gerald Goodrich

George Gerald Goodrich, who passed away at 84 on April 4, 2025, had a distinguished 37-year career at Arthur Andersen & Co., rising to partnership and serving as managing partner of the Cleveland office and Director of Global Taxes for Andersen Worldwide. After his retirement in 2001, he taught at John Carroll University, where he had earlier earned his business degree, and served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards. A devout Catholic whose faith was shaped by his early seminary studies, George balanced his professional achievements with family life, including 57 years of marriage to Elaina, with whom he raised two children and enjoyed traveling, camping, and raising Samoyed dogs.

Joyce L. Bender

Joyce L. Bender, 89, passed away on April 3, 2025, after working for the City of Akron for 40 years as clerk of City Council. She was an active member of Lifespring Christian Church, serving on the Church Board and volunteering for various activities. Joyce loved parades, especially the Hibernian's St. Patrick's Day Parade, and was an avid fan of clowns. She was preceded in death by her parents, son, and five siblings, and is survived by her special friend Sue Greening and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Diane Faith Jordan

Diane Faith Jordan, 84, passed away at home in Tallmadge, Ohio on April 3, 2025, after a life filled with family, creativity, and community service. Born in Buffalo, New York in 1941, she married Steven Jordan in 1964, eventually relocating to Ohio in 2024 to be near her great-grandchildren. Diane worked as an instructional assistant at North Webster Elementary School in Indiana and was an active church member whose faith guided her life of service. She expressed her creativity through painting and was known for her exceptional pie baking, leaving behind a legacy of love that will continue through her husband of 60 years, her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Matthew Lee Heidorf

Matthew L. "Matt" Heidorf, born on December 13, 1937, in Lakewood, Ohio, passed away on April 2, 2025, in Akron, Ohio. After serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, he built a 40-year career in advertising and marketing communications across major markets including Los Angeles, New York, Cleveland, and Akron. Matt was actively involved in his community, serving on multiple boards of trustees, and pursued his passion for art after retirement. He is remembered as a devoted family man who brought joy to those around him and is survived by his wife Lee, four children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members.

George Gerald Goodrich

George Gerald Goodrich, a long-time resident of Bath Township, passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 84. During his 37-year career at Arthur Andersen & Co., he rose to become a partner, Head of Tax, managing partner of the Cleveland office, and Director of Global Taxes, while developing expertise in Mergers and Acquisitions and International Tax. He served in the U.S. Army, including deployment to Vietnam, and later taught at John Carroll University as an Executive in Residence. Survived by his wife Elaina of 57 years, his mother, two children, several siblings, and four grandchildren, George was known for his commitment to his Catholic faith, service on multiple non-profit boards, and diverse interests including train collecting, world travel, and devotion to his dogs.

George J. Miller

George J. Miller, an 80-year-old Parma resident and Vietnam War veteran, passed away unexpectedly on April 1, 2025. After his military service, George had a dedicated career at Value City and was an avid Cleveland sports fan. He valued family gatherings, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas, where he was known for his stories, humor, and unwavering support. George is survived by his sisters Shirley and Virginia, his nephew Jim, niece Cheryl, and several cousins, while being preceded in death by his parents and long-term companion, Phyllis Haley.