E. Alton “AL” Goodlin

E. Alton “AL” Goodlin passed away on August 9, 2024, 30 days short of his 99th birthday. Al was a very prominent citizen in the New Alexandria area having lived and worked there for 91 years.  He was the perpetually pleasant and busy owner of “The Corner Restaurant” where he could always be found greeting the diners while making everything run smoothly.  The restaurant began as a simple custard stand in 1950, then added hot dogs to the menu, later expanded to a diner and finally became a full-service restaurant, currently the First Commonwealth Bank. The restaurant was famous for its Broasted Chicken Supreme and homemade cream pies with towering merengue.  The Corner was a major employer in the area.  Everyone knew someone who worked at “The Corner.”  And everyone in town knew Al.  Al was the last remaining sibling in his family after the passing of his two brothers, William Goodlin and Chalmers Goodlin (celebrated Bell X1 test pilot), and his sister Myla (Goodlin)Shestik as well as nephew Bill Goodlin.  His surviving family includes Susan Ludwig and spouse Laura Olsen, Cindy and Matt Burnham and their two children: Dr. Kaylee Crockett and Taylor Burnham, Esq and their families.  Al was a very kind and generous man.  He was a cornerstone member of the Community United Presbyterian Church.  He served in the Army Air Force during World War II and then became an active member of the American Legion.  He was also the oldest member of the Latrobe Elks.  The town chimes that ring daily at 12:00 & 7:00 PM were a gift from him to the church to commemorate his parents William and Susan (Ramaley) Goodlin and his lovely wife Betty Ann who passed in 2005.  Betty Ann was the hostess at The Corner for many years.  In Al’s humble nature, he asked his family to forgo any funeral services.  He wanted to be remembered for the long and healthy life that he treasured.  He was grateful for his family, friends and all the employees, cooks, bakers and servers who made his world at The Corner welcoming and successful.  Al will repose at New Alexandria’s Union Cemetery next to his loving sister Myla.  You are welcome to pay your respects anytime and can easily find his gravesite in the first row of the cemetery.  Please remember to listen for the Goodlin chimes in remembrance of this honorable man.  P. DAVID NEWHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, 215 Church St., New Alexandria, PA 15670, 724-668-2248, entrusted with arrangements.  To send condolences, please visit www.NewhouseFuneralHome.com.