Local merchant mourned after hit and run death

Jane Goodman during her arraignment yesterday in the death of a pedestrian. (Image courtesy of WBZ-TV)

NEEDHAM

For shoppers and retailers on a small commercial strip along Route 135 here, Michael Dorfman, 67, was the kindly clerk who patiently measured children's feet and gave them a lollipop as they left Michelson's Shoes.

Authorities say Dorfman was in a crosswalk when he was fatally struck by a Saab driven by Jane Goodman, 72, of Dedham around 6 p.m. Wednesday, staff writer John C. Drake reports in today's City & Region section. He had just left work and was steps away from his Mazda sedan, which was still parked near the intersection yesterday afternoon.

Goodman was arrested in Wellesley after witnesses provided a description of the car. She pleaded not guilty in Dedham District Court yesterday to charges of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, leaving the scene of an incident causing personal injury and death, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. She was released on $20,000 bail, and her license was revoked.

Michael Dorfman's widow, Elinor, said there was no excuse for the driver not to stop after striking her husband, who also leaves two adult daughters and two grandchildren.

Read more about the tragedy in the online edition of today's City & Region section.