David M. Goodner, obstetrician and gynecologist

David M. Goodner, 68, formerly of Chestnut Hill, an obstetrician and gynecologist for more than 30 years, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, of Alzheimer's disease at Arden Court in Cherry Hill.

Dr. Goodner practiced with Professional Health Care for Women in Center City. He was on the staff of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Pennsylvania Hospital.

During his career, he delivered 5,000 babies to mothers who often traveled long distances to receive his care, his daughter, Alyson, said. He also treated older women, including one patient who visited him for 20 years until she was 95, his daughter said.

After he retired in December 2006, he received hundreds of letters from grateful patients.

"He was an exceptional doctor. His bedside manner was unmatched," Alyson Goodner said. "He had the ability to walk people through tough situations."

In 2001, Dr. Goodner received a special recognition award from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School for mentoring medical students and residents who admired his passion for his calling.

He was past president of the Obstetrics Society of Philadelphia and wrote numerous articles published in medical journals.

Dr. Goodner grew up in Jacksonville, Fla. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1964, and his medical degree in 1968, from Duke University and completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Thomas Jefferson University.

He then served in the Army Medical Corps in Korea.

After his discharge in 1974, he completed a fellowship in fetal medicine at Temple University Medical School.

For 44 years, he was married to Susan Hinman Goodner. They met as undergraduates at Duke and raised two children in Chestnut Hill.

Dr. Goodner, who was captain of the swim team at Duke, encouraged his children's interest in competitive swimming. He was a supporter of the PDR Swimming program in Nicetown, where they swam.

Alyson Goodner later swam for Princeton University, and in 2000, Dr. Goodner cofounded the Susan S. Teeter Award at Princeton. Named for the women's swim-team coach, the award is given annually to the senior-class swimmer who, during her four-year career, distinguishes herself as an outstanding student and a valuable member of the women's team.

Dr. Goodner was past president of the Country Club Swimming Association of Greater Philadelphia. He was a member of the Philadelphia Cricket Club. When his children attended William Penn Charter School, he was active with the school's Parent Community.

In addition to his daughter, Dr. Goodner is survived by a son, Blake; two brothers; and three grandchildren. His wife died in 2008.

A memorial service will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, 415 Willow Grove Ave., Philadelphia.

Donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia 19106.