Thinking of you today and everyday. I love and miss you so much Eli.

Ellen,  Please accept my deepest sympathy.  I stumbled upon the obituary by accident and am in shock.  Words escape me and I can just think of that little boy and all the stories Bruce would come in to tell us about Ellie and Sam.  Those stories always made me laugh and this story has me in tears.  I truly believe he's now with his Dad.  My heart aches for you and all you've been through.  Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Liberta Marabella

Eli and I met on our Onward Israel trip in Haifa in 2017. He was one of my upstairs neighbors (along with Shai Boker and Josh Okon) and after becoming friends on that trip we continued our friendship at UMass Amherst. I always remember Eli being really gentle, caring, and a great listener. And very thoughtful. You could tell that he was giving you his full attention when he was listening. It doesn't feel real that he's gone. Eli, Shai, Josh, and I would always get together when Shai's back in town each summer, and it feels weird knowing that Eli's not going to be with us this time

Beautiful caption written by my brother JC but this photo is so powerful on its own, that it doesn’t necessarily need one. This picture is literally worth a thousand words. RIP to my good brother Eli you are truly truly missed. I want to give my condolences to the entire Goodman family also especially Sam keep yall heads up all of you are in my prayers. ❤️

I attended camp and High school with both Eli & Sam they are Two of the kindest souls i have ever encounter in my entire life. Eli would attend the yearly mens retreat that was held by the Metco program I believe at BHS, if you aren’t aware Metco allows kids from the inner city to attend schools in suburban neighborhoods majority of the kids in Metco were black and Hispanic. During the mens retreat Eli sat in the front row he listened, observed and educated himself on some of the struggles my people have gone through in the past. I have personally dealt with some racism while living here in Brookline so it was breath of fresh air to see A white kid (the only white kid) in the row at the men’s retreat educating himself about our struggles. It just speaks volumes to the kind person Eli was he loved all walks of life, you were an amazing person bro Till we meet again god speed ❤️

Happy birthday Eli, I miss you so much every second of every day, you are constantly on my mind and in my heart. I love you

Eli and I became friends during our social work internship at Mass General Hospital. His kind soul and warm presence always made me feel comfortable and seen. He had a light that shone through in his work with the community, friends, and strangers. Sending my deepest condolences to his family, and may his memory always be a blessing.

Eli and I went to UMass Amherst together, but we actually first met each other during our Onward Israel summer internship program in 2017. Eli, Shai, and I were sitting next to each other at the orientation of the program when the program coordinator asked us to choose apartment mates for the rest of the summer. Eli, Shai, and I were strangers to one another at the time, but we looked at each other and agreed to become apartment mates in Israel for the entire summer.
That first night, the three of us settled into our cockroach infested apartment on the lively streets of Haifa. Instead of going to sleep for the night, I wanted to find a way to the beach. Eli wanted to join me. We set out at about 11 PM and the only sense of direction we relied on was the shipping crates from the port we could see off in the distance. We walked down alleyways, highways, and everything in between. Just when we were about to give up and go home, we arrived to the entrance of the Port of Haifa. Somehow and some way, we walked right into the port. There was no one there, but I thought that at any second an Israeli police helicopter was going to shine a spotlight down on us and tell us we were under arrest for breaking into a shipping port. We found a small beach within the port, but it was blocked off by a fence. There was a small hole under the fence and I looked at Eli. He said to me, "We didn't come this far to not at least dip our toes in the water." We shimmied under the fence and achieved our goal.
On our walk home, I quickly realized why this guy who I'd met less than 24 hours ago joined me on my crazy adventure. It wasn't because he wanted to go to the ocean on the very first night, but it was because he truly cared and didn't want me to walk alone at night in a foreign country. From that moment on, I knew I lucked out with my apartment mate for the summer and I had a best friend for life.
May your memory be a blessing and a lesson for how to live life.

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. The world lost a beautiful, bright, loving star. We were so lucky to have Eli on Farr2 caring for our patients. He would go out of his way with compassion and a smile, to help everyone and anyone in need. Thank you so much for sharing the gift of Eli with us.  May his soul rest in everlasting peace. 
Daniele Ölveczky MD MS

Sorry to hear about Eli's passing. His Onward/UMass friends will miss him always 💛
From Shai Boker, Josh Okon and Joe Frank

I worked closely with Eli on Farr 2, and one moment in particular will stay with me forever. It was during a difficult overnight shift. Around midnight, I was on break, sitting alone in the Farr 2 break room, feeling overwhelmed—not just by work, but by personal struggles as well. I felt so alone.

Eli walked in, just starting his 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift. We hadn’t seen each other in a while. He smiled and said, “Hey, long time no see—how are you?” I gave a sarcastic, “Eh, could be better.” I should’ve known Eli wouldn’t let that slide.

He sat down beside me, looked at me with genuine concern, and asked what was going on. I couldn’t hold it in—I started to cry. Eli gently held my hand and simply listened. No judgment, no rush, just presence. He gave me what I didn’t know I needed in that moment: someone to sit with me in the dark.

Looking back, I realize my body knew before my mind that Eli was someone safe, someone I could fall apart in front of. That night, he was a light in one of the darker corners of my life.

I return to that moment often. I’m endlessly grateful for the time we had with him. Eli is a truly special soul. His presence is missed deeply, but I carry him with me every day, in my heart and in the way I try to show up for others.

We love you so much, Eli. The absence you’ve left is immense, but so is the love you gave us.

Rest in the sweetest peace my friend 💕 until we meet again

I worked with Elijah as an RA back in college- and he was hands down one of the kindest, sweetest, and most genuine souls I've ever met on campus. I am beyond deeply saddened to learn of his recent passing and I am deeply praying for comfort and strength for his family <3

Eli and I worked together for the past 5 years. We started together as PCTs and I knew that it was going to be a friendship that would last. From Bunkerhill days, hours of wii sports at my apartment, to nights at luckys, to quick phone calls just for Eli to check in and ask “whats up sister”. Eli was always thinking of others no matter what was going on. One story that sticks out with me amongst a hundred others is one day Eli and I were talking and as he always would, he asked “how’s nana” and i told him that she was feeling sick that week, she had a stomach ache. Next day I saw Eli and he had brought in some mint tea bags and gave them to me to give to nana to help her stomach. There was not a thing Eli wouldn’t do for someone else. He was selfless. His smile would light up a room and his hugs would make even the worst days feel like everything would be okay. We could all use one of those right now. Eli taught me so many life lessons but one major one that I will strive to keep alive in my day to day is that Eli would find the good in everyone.  Whether it was a grumpy patient or some random people we met at a nascar race, he made it a priority to make sure everyone felt heard. I am sending all my love and condolences to his family during the unimaginable time. Rest easy my friend.  Love you and miss you forever. ❤️

Sending love to your family right now. Eli and his brother lived right by me growing up. We would walk BHS together sometimes and took numerous classes together. Eli had the warmest demeanor and was the kindest soul. He will be missed and his energy is felt. 
 I am so sorry.

I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Eli for a short time during my travel nursing assignment at Beth Israel. I’ve worked all over the country and have had many colleagues and Eli will truly always stand out. It didn’t take long to see how kind his heart and soul were. He had an infectious smile, and was a great presence to be around. I am so grateful for the short time I got to know Eli and to call him a friend.  I am so deeply sorry to hear about his passing. He was and is such a bright light on this earth, and I know his light will never fade. Praying for solace during this time and sharing my deepest condolences to your family, as well as the farr 2 family.  He will be sorely missed.

I worked with Eli on Farr 2 and every day that I saw he was assigned to work with me I knew I would have a good shift. Eli was so attentive to every patient as well as his nurses. No matter how busy the floor might have been, he always made sure to check in on other staff to make sure that no one was drowning. If patient's were lonely or agitated, Eli was the first person to volunteer just to be with them and sit by their side. 
I will always appreciate just how nice Eli was to me. I was very shy at work at times but he always made sure that he said hi to me and asked me what I had going on for the week. Every time he passed me in the hall he would smile or wave. These small gestures meant so much to me and I will remember each one.
As I move forward into my nursing career, I can only hope to be an ounce of the kind of person he was. I will carry his kindness, compassion, and empathy with me. He was the embodiment of what it meant to be a good person and he will be missed dearly by so many. I extend my deepest condolences to Eli's family and close friends.

I am a doctor who worked on Farr 2 (the unit where Elijah was placed) for a number of years. I was always impressed and grateful for how kind and gentle Elijah was with every patient. In his actions, he made the hospital, a place that can be alienating and terrifying, friendly and caring. This is no small feat, and I will carry it with me as an inspiration.

I am so sorry to hear of his passing, May his memory be a blessing.

My condolences and prayers to Eli’s family and loved ones. I knew Eli from my time as a Resident Assistant working together at UMass. He was always a kind soul and I’ll cherish the great memories we’ve shared during that time. May he rest in peace.

I worked alongside Eli as a PCT on Farr 2. When I first started as a PCT and was trained by Eli, just by watching how he cared for patients I could tell that he had a gift. He was caring, honest, sincere, and so much more. Even though I worked on and off throughout the past few years on Farr 2, every time we shared a shift he would always ask how I have been and as a fellow UMass alum we would share stories about Amherst and our time on campus. He was truly one of the kindest people I have ever met and I don't think I could be the PCT I am today without having learned from him. I send my deepest condolences to Eli's family.

I had the pleasure of being Eli's Practicum Advisor at Simmons this year. He was a dedicated and bright young man. He will be missed by his friends and family but also a loss for the social work profession......Patricia Dwyer, LICSW

I was so sorry to hear about Eli. It was so nice to read that he’d been a nursing assistant and had also earned his Social Work degree and was supposed to start his career soon. Eli and his brother Sam were friends of my daughter Hannah. She and I share our sadness over this loss, and will spread light and love in Eli’s honor. Ellen, I am so sorry that you have suffered another terrible loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lauren and family, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Keeping all of you in my thoughts. Take good care of yourselves.

Eli always loved when the flowers and the trees would bloom again at UMass, signaling the change in seasons and the brighter, sunnier, warmer days ahead. While going through the photos of my time spent with Eli, one major theme stood out: his deep appreciation for the beauty of life and nature. 

No words can appropriately convey the deep sense of loss we’re all feeling right now. I hope that every time you see a vibrant sunset, or a flower in bloom, it reminds you of Eli and brings a little bit of light to these dark days. I know I’ll be stopping to smell the roses a little more often.🤍

Eli treated everyone at our community center:, staff, members, and guests with  a deep and pure humanity. There was no judgement in him. He simply gave his joy to everyone he worked with and served.  I saw in him all the things I wanted to be; as a direct care professional, and as a person.  May his memory be a blessing.

I went to BHS with Eli and he was one of the purest, kindest souls I have ever met. Eli was funny, extremely sweet, respectful, caring, and charismatic. Any time I saw him or spoke to him, he always had a smile on his face and he was always in a great mood. He was the type of person to ask you how you’re doing because he genuinely cared and he was the type of person who helped everyone he came in contact with

Eli truly was one of a kind and he had a heart of gold. I am heartbroken at the news of his passing, but I know his light and legacy will live on forever through Sammy and Eli’s family and friends. 

Sending love and my condolences to his brother and family during this time.

Eli was an amazing person. He trained me when I first became a patient care technician. He was so patient, kind, and took the time to teach me the difficult things too. Now, I do things a certain way because “Eli taught me to do it like that.” He was the brightest light in any room he walked into with the biggest smile ever even on the toughest days. Eli is an integral part of why I love my job as much as I do, and to enjoy it the way he did, with laughter and love. I’ll miss him on Farr 2.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Eli’s  passing, as I still feel his light in the memories we shared.

I had the privilege of working alongside Eli as a Residential Assistant at UMass, and I’ll always be grateful for that season. Laughter came so easily between us and we shared plenty of it.

But I’ll never forget one particular incident in our residential community when an anonymous racist slur was written, targeting the Black community.  The way Eli responded with care and conviction spoke volumes about his character and his love for people. He took on the emotional weight of the moment, even to the point of tears, though he didn’t have to! His empathy and compassion left a lasting impact on me.

So warm. So gentle. So brilliant. 

Praying for God’s comfort and peace for all of his family and friends. 

May we all grow in wisdom & knowledge of God’s love as we experience the brevity of life. Psalm 90:12 NLT

It was a true blessing to our family to have known Eli. His kindness, warmth, and positive spirit left a lasting impression on all of us. We will miss him dearly.

Eli was such a sweet person, and in the brief moments I got to hang out with him he really made an impact that I carry in my life. I am so sorry to hear about this loss, and wish the family the support and love to move through this.

It’s  rare to meet a 26 year old who from  day one leaves such  a lasting impression - someone who radiates  warmth , knowledge, passion and ease. I’ll always cherish the first day Eli was introduced to our family.  Needless to say we all instantly liked him.      As we spent more time with Eli over the years we grew to absolutely adore him.  He formed special connections with each one of us-whether it was through football, track, travel, music, education or simply general conversation.   No matter the topic, Eli could find common ground  and make it meaningful.    I especially appreciate how present and engaged he was in every interaction.  Whether he was talking  with my teenage kids or my parents who are in their seventies, Eli had a way of making everyone feel truly seen, valued and important.  That is a rare and beautiful gift- and one I will always remember him for.  Eli certainly  left a positive mark on this world  and on all of our hearts.   .

Eli, you have touched my life in more ways than I can count. I have known you since second grade and you have been a blessing in my life ever since. In the midst of transitioning from Boston to Brookline through the METCO program, you helped me feel comfortable in an environment that was entirely new and, at times, frightening to me. You welcomed me with open arms. We would soon develop a strong bond through our love for basketball. Late nights shooting hoops turned into sleepover after sleepover after sleepover. You and your family welcomed me into your home gracefully and treated me like a brother and son. It felt like I practically visited your home every single day. We have been friends ever since. I will never forget the way you always reached out to check up on me to make sure I was doing alright. We shared such a close friendship for so many years and there are so many memories that I will cherish forever. I’m shocked and absolutely devastated to have to tell you goodbye. The world has truly lost a bright light and precious soul.

I love you. Rest easy, my brother.

Eli and I were interns together at our first social work placement. From the second I met him (awkwardly getting our photos taken for our badges), he made me feel a sense of comfort and calm. Since that moment, he only continued to amaze me. Eli had a special way with the members - he made them feel seen and understood in a way that was insanely impressive. People asked for Eli all the time, and I knew that my own days would be better when I got to see him. I am a better social worker for getting to know and work with Eli and will try to emulate his kindness and good nature whenever I interact with others.

I went to BHS with Eli. He always had a smile on his face and greeted everyone so kindly and openly and was such a pleasure to be around, a breath of fresh air. He is gone way too soon, but not forgotten. I am sending love and support to his family and closest friends.

Eli,

I cannot even begin to describe what you meant to not only myself, but this world.  Since I have been making memories, Eli has been in them. Our legendary band got together in 3rd grade and Wednesdays would never be the same. From dirty jokes with Jon Purcell, to our crazy invented backyard and basement games (who could forget the formidable grumpy neighbor), to steak on a stick, to legendary Roggies performances (more successful than the talent show...) you were there. From 6 years old, to 16, to 26, you were always there bringing a smile to my face because let's face it, who could resist smiling when seeing your cheerful face. There is no doubt that I would not be the person I am today without your influence, guidance and friendship. I love you now and forever and the world of everyone who was lucky enough to meet you will never be the same.

I’m the sister of Manny Lorenzo. I had the fortune of knowing Eli and Sam through my brother and through attending the same middle school and high school as them. My brother grew up with three sisters and while he loves us dearly we all know he wanted a brother growing up. I watched Eli be just that for him! Eli was exactly who my brother needed. He couldn’t have asked for a better friend. Whenever Eli came around, he was the most genuine and kindest human. A person full of love, he could’ve shared it with the whole world and there’d still be so much left over. Whenever he asked us how we were, he truly wanted to know. Eli, you’ve left a lasting impact, not only in my brother’s life but our whole family. The Lorenzo’s will never forget you!

A memory from Tanniesha.  I remember Eli and I started working at Beth Israel the same time back in 2019. As we were assigned to the same floor we went through orientation together we would sit next to each other and he do fall asleep everytime, I would have to poke him in the side to keep him awake. As I left back in 2022. Our friendship did not end there. We remind friends. He was such a sweet pure soul we all love him so much. I pray he S.I.P until we meet again. I am so sad I will not be able to show my respect as I am away out of the country but my heart breaks to hear this news.

Elijah was part of my RA cohort my freshman year of college. As a newcomer to the area & being on my own for the first time - Elijah was part of the people that supported my curiosity & always had a calm and cheerful presence to him. May he rest in peace.

I am deeply saddened to find out about the passing of Eli Goodman. His last name says it all. Eli was simply a good man, good friend, good student and good person. I was lucky enough to teach him twice at BHS. His character and charisma consistently shined no matter the time, date or occurrence. I will always remember his thoughtfulness and genuine curiosity for knowledge and human touch. Eli, I hope I taught you as much history as you taught me about being the best human being I can be.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Eli’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him on Farr 2 for about two years, during the challenging days of the COVID‑19 pandemic. His warm smile and constant readiness to help stood out every day.

 When my first son was born, Eli always took the time to ask how he was doing every time I worked with him; it meant a lot to me. We also shared many conversations about school and his own educational goals. His gentle spirit made a real impact on those around him.

I am extending my heartfelt condolences to the Goodman family and everyone affected by this untimely loss. May God grant you strength and comfort in this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Eli. You will always be in our hearts and memories.

So sorry.Worked with Eli.He was always ready to help and never in a bad mood !Always a hello and a smile.Will miss him .

“The life of the dead is placed on the memories of the living. The love you gave in life keeps people alive beyond their time. Anyone who was given love will always live on in another's heart.”
- Marcus Tullius Cicero 

"Tout est beau et serein dans la mort du juste. Son départ cause des larmes, mais son souvenir laisse l'espérance et la consolation sur la terre."

Job 1:21

I know Eli is going to speak a lot of French up there now. I miss you and I’ll never forget you.

My sincere condolences for this profound loss. It is breathtaking to read these memories… Such tributes to an extraordinary human being.

I have known and loved Sam and Eli from a distance since they were born, with meaningful, fun-filled encounters at various stages of their lives. This photo is from 2016, as I introduced Ellen and the boys to my then-fiancé. Eli was such a fun, thoughtful child, and it is so apparent that he matured into the best of family members, friends, and colleagues. I honor Eli and all those who cared for him, most especially Ellen— with collective love, sadness, and hope that his dreams continue to live on.

Eli with his MSW friends after class in Spring 2023!

It’s funny - I have so many memories growing up with Eli, but I can hardly remember them as vividly as I remember how Eli made me feel. That was Eli’s superpower. He cared deeply about everyone around him, regardless of how much or little he knew them. He touched so many lives with his compassion and empathy and brought so much love into this world. He is one of the kindest souls I have had the pleasure of getting to know and I will carry that gratitude with me forever. The world may seem a little darker for the moment, but it is so, so much brighter thanks to Eli. 

I miss you, man - it’s an honor to be able to celebrate your life. 
I am sending all my love and strength to you and your family.

This is one of my favorite photos that I took with Eli - doing one of our favorite activities: hanging out in Prospect Hill Park in Somerville, enjoying the sunshine. I don’t have the words to even begin to capture what he meant to me and the impact he had on my life, but I will miss him forever and always cherish the memories we shared. I am so grateful to have been loved by Eli Goodman, even if only for a short period of time

I am truly at a loss for words at this news and am sending extra love and light to the Goodman family today and moving forward. Eli truly touched the souls of many. May his memory continue to make a positive impact in our lives and encourage us to lead with our hearts.

Eli is one of the kindest, caring, and most authentic individuals I've had the privilege of calling a friend. Eli, Sammy, and I all went to high school together, but I particularly got to know them when we all worked for Brookline Recreation for several years. During our time at Brookline Rec I got to see Eli as a fellow camp counselor, staff member, and advocate. Eli was an influential role model to the kids who came to the summer camps as he led others by setting good examples, showing tenderness and compassion, and being a consistent person in their lives. I have many fond memories of Eli, Sammy, and I laughing together about silly things campers would say or do, getting so excited about dodge ball that we sometimes over did it, and voicing what we wanted to see changed or adjusted within Brookline Recreation to create a better environment for everyone. It's clear that Eli's presence has had a profound impact on all of us who knew him and continues to persist fiercely within all of our hearts. I still have my old lime green staff shirt and will always associate it with our wonderful times together.

Eli was one of my grandmother’s nurses in her final days. The love, kindness, and compassion he showed her brought our family a great deal of peace. He was a light during some of our darkest days. His calming presence and genuine care made an unbearable time feel a little more bearable. My grandmother’s father’s name was Eli, so it truly felt like he was an angel sent to us. We are sending the same love and support he gave us to his family during this incredibly difficult time. Please know that we are holding his family in our hearts and keeping them in our thoughts.
Thank you for everything, Eli.

Elijah was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met to this day. It seemed like an effortless part of who he was to genuinely care about every person he met. I cannot imagine what that loss must feel like to those closest to him, my deepest condolences.

Eli was such a positive light —I’ve known him since kindergarten up until we left for college. He was always smiling and trying to help others. Also very curious, I remember he would treat all the teachers and other with such respect. I was happy to see him find a job in healthcare and knew he was going to be an amazing substance abuse counselor. May her rest in peace 🙏🏻

On behalf of the entire Farr 2 staff, we send our deepest, most sincere condolences to Eli’s family. 

Eli was a one-of-a-kind person with the purest heart and the kindest soul. It was apparent in his work with his patients and relationships with his friends. He was loved, adored, and greatly appreciated on our unit and in this hospital. He touched the lives of everyone he encountered. He always gave his full undivided attention, and offered words of wisdom, compassion, empathy, great conversation, and an infectious smile. He brought light and happiness to work with him every shift without fail. Eli had a special gift of making everyone feel special, loved, and understood. He listened actively and intently, and never failed to follow up about specific details of each of our lives simply because he cared so much. He was destined to be the world’s greatest social worker. 

The world lost an amazing human this week. To know him was to love him. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live on forever🩵

As a work colleague/friend of my daughter, the endless stories of positivity, I heard about this young man, honestly goes beyond far beyond a gent his age. As a 28 year old professional, Eli had poise and maturity, greater than some double his age. Not evening having formally met him, from what I've been told, he exemplified what is means to be a human...Forget about what we look like, who we are married to or our religious differences, Eli seemed to have taught so many, that at the end of the day...we are all the same..we are human...
During covid, many in healthcare shared stories and experiences about this awful time on earth...
One story that came to me, was that of a sick non-english speaking woman, who was battling covid, very ill, unsure if she would even survive. At her bedside, was her physician, a nurse and an assistant, all different looking, all from different racial and religious backgrounds, all in full, personal protective equipment, masks, gowns, gloves, goggles, face shields...
The woman mentioned her god or spirituality, the physician asked the patient if she wanted her care team to pray for her. The patient agreed, she wanted them to pray for her...
Then without hesitation, all three of these members of her professional clinical team, in full PPE, from different races and religious backgrounds, kneeled by this patient beside and prayed for her.  
Yes, Eli was part of that care team, a young unassuming man, again with a soul mature beyond his years.
This apparently was only a snapshot, in Eli's knowledge, empathy and power in understanding and supporting the human experience...The memories here capture it all!!!
If we learn anything, my hope would be we walk on earth the way Eli did...
My condolences to the family...
May he rest peacefully...
Ward Tabb Family June 2025

I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved son. His light touched so many lives, and his memory will continue to shine. No parent should ever have to experience the pain of losing a child. My heart aches for you, and I hope you find strength in the love and support surrounding you ❤️ he was an amazing student, very kind and polite person.  He will always be remembered ❤️🤍💔🤍

Dear Goodman family-

I had the privilege of teaching Eli at Simmons last Fall. I am heartbroken to hear of his passing. Eli was a wonderful student. He was extremely attentive in class and deeply cared about helping his clients. He was an excellent writer and always thoughtful about clinical issues. He had to switch out of my class for Spring semester, and everyone missed his presence. I would still see him, as his class was at the same time, in the same building. In March, I sprained my ankle and was walking with a cane. He talked to me at length, with much compassion, about how I was managing with the injury. My last conversation with him was on the last day of classes. He asked after my ankle and told me his good news about his job. Eli's passing is a loss to the social work community. His dedication, insight, and compassion would have made him a wonderful social worker.

Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this profoundly difficult time. His memory will be a blessing.

Sincerely
Ashley J. Anechiarico, LICSW
anechiar@simmons.edu

Heart goes out to Sam and his family. 

Eli I love you so much. You were an exceptional friend to me, especially in my darkest times. You'd reach out and ask if I was ok and if I needed anything. I truly TRULY appreciate you for that. That's what makes you great. You had a sense of calmness and openess to reach out and help others. Most importantly your ability to smile. You walked into any room and instantly ligthen the room and the mood. Your smile always made my day and I'm gonna truly miss it. You also cared a lot about Brookline and gave back to the community whenever you could. 
Today I lost a friend and Brookline lost a legend and a hero. I love you so much! Keep on smiling! ❤️

Dear Lauren and family,
 We embrace you. May his memory be a blessing .

Eli in Lisbon, Portugal in January of 2024

Eli, 
I'm beyond devastated right now. I can't even put into words what our 28 years of friendship and brotherhood mean to me. You were and always will be my family. The world is a lesser place without you in it. The impact you had on everyone is undeniable. 

I love you brother.

Eli celebrating his 26th birthday in the North End

He was the best intern we ever had. You were an amazing human being.

I first met Eli  while running around Brookline High School days before the start of our freshmen year. I had heard about the Goodman twins before I ever got to meet them because they had developed a reputation as some of the down-right kindest people in our grade. I remember being slightly awestruck because everyone wanted to be friends with them. But the thing about both Eli and Sammy was that they had an uncanny knack for being everyone's friend. 

Over the years, I had the privilege of running many miles with Eli around Brookline. He was the type of teammate and person who possessed not just surface-level joy and kindness but a deep-rooted ability to make people feel loved and cared about. As high school progressed, he developed a strong commitment to social justice, which I profoundly admired.

We fell out of touch after high school but I remember running into him in town from time to time. I believe the last time was at the George Floyd protest in Brookline in 2020. I remember talking to Eli for a long time after the protest had died down, completely unsurprised at the fact that he had entered a helping profession.

Sammy, as a fellow twin, I know how close the two of were, and I am so sorry. Ellen, my deepest condolences to you, as well. I hope it brings some modicum of solace to know your brother and son made so many people's lives so much better.

Eli was like a son, a best friend,  a brother to so many of us in Farr 2. He was a deeply caring person and when he asked you “how are you doing,” he really listened to your response. His special gift was recognizing when someone was in distress and responding to them. I would send him in to see patients that he was not assigned to saying, “ they need a little Eli today.”  He was such a bright light to so many of us and we will share that light with each other.  One day when I felt sick at work and realized that I needed to go home Eli insisted on taking me in a wheelchair to meet my ride. I was so embarrassed but Eli was so calm and sweet that I realized it was okay to accept help.

2015 at our young men's conference at Wheelock College! Senior Speaker!

Elijah was truly God-sent. As the METCO Coordinator at BHS, I had the privilege of witnessing his  journey—one of kindness, courage, and a deep sense of community. 

Even though Elijah was not an official METCO student, he became the heart of our METCO family. He was the first student outside of the program to ever be gifted the METCO stole—a powerful symbol of how deeply he connected with and contributed to our community.

Despite being the minority in that space, Elijah never let that define or limit him. Instead, he embraced our space, our culture and our students. He joined us  in the METCO room everyday - where his presence always brought joy and  acceptance. He carried himself with compassion, becoming a true brother to our students and a light to all who knew him.

His senior year was especially meaningful. When we honored him with the METCO stole, it wasn’t just a gesture—it was an affirmation of who he had become: a young man who stepped beyond his own walls to be part of something bigger than himself. I will never forget the pride in his eyes as he walked across the stage during graduation wearing that stole, representing unity, respect, and love- and most importantly METCO!

Elijah will forever be remembered as a METCO scholar—because of his  spirit and impact on our community. 

We will miss you deeply, Elijah. Thank you for walking with us - for being brave, for teaching us and others what it meant to be open and loving - everything we need in this world right now. You will always be part of our family.

I am a friend of Ray, in whose house Eli lived. I live in Seattle, but got to know Eli a bit when I occasionally visited Ray. 2 years ago I happened to get Covid thus stayed 2 weeks. Now I was just there last week. Eli mostly kept to himself in the house. But when we crossed paths, we hit it off; he was easy to chat with. I taught him to make vinaigrette. I cooked dinner for the house last weekend, but he couldn’t make it. I saved a serving for Eli. He texted me Monday to say it was delicious; I said I’d send him the recipe. I’m so very sad to hear this news. To Eli’s mom — I was in the living room when he came in last week. He said he’d just gone to the baseball game with you and had a great time. My deepest condolences; he was a wonderful young man.

It is with heavy sorrow in my heart that I must say goodbye to this dear man. As a boy he had an astonishingly mature and wise understanding of people and things going on in his world. 

I offer my deepest condolences and love to Eli’s family with whom I have a long and treasured history.

Dear Ellen, Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Elijah. I always enjoyed our conversations in the volunteer office, hearing what he was up to on Farr 2 and learning about his career pursuits. It is clear how much he was respected and cared for by everyone who worked with him — he made a huge impact here at BIDMC. We are all holding you in our thoughts and sending strength during this incredibly difficult time.

Caroline and the Volunteer Services Team

OBITUARY

Elijah Lincoln Goodman

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