Arnold Goodstein Bio, Age, Height, Wife, House Fire, Net Worth
Arnold Goodstein Biography
Arnold Samuel Goodstein, born on April 17, 1944, in Florence, South Carolina, is an American lawyer and former politician. He grew up in North Charleston and graduated from North Charleston High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College and a law degree from the University of South Carolina.
Goodstein served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1971 to 1973. He then represented Charleston and Georgetown counties in the South Carolina Senate from 1975 to 1979. During his tenure, he championed public service and applied his legal expertise effectively.
In addition to his political career, Goodstein served as a combat advisor in the Vietnam War, earning two Bronze Stars for heroism and receiving valor citations from the South Vietnamese government.
Goodstein married Circuit Court Judge Diane Schafer Goodstein, and they raised two children: Arnold Samuel Goodstein II and Eve Schafer Goodstein.
On October 4, 2025, a fire broke out at his Edisto Island home. Goodstein jumped to escape, sustaining broken bones, and first responders airlifted him to the Medical University of South Carolina.
Despite this incident, he continues to inspire as a dedicated public servant and veteran.
Arnold Goodstein Age
How old is Arnold Goodstein?
Arnold Samuel Goodstein, born on April 17, 1944, is 81 years old. In addition, he is a former South Carolina senator, lawyer, and Vietnam War veteran. Furthermore, Goodstein served in the South Carolina House and Senate, earning recognition for public service. Currently, he lives in Charleston with his wife, Diane Goodstein.
Arnold Goodstein’s Height
How tall is Arnold Goodstein?
Arnold Samuel Goodstein is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall. He is a former South Carolina senator, lawyer, and Vietnam War veteran. Goodstein served in the South Carolina House and Senate, earning recognition for public service. He lives in Charleston with his wife, Diane Goodstein.
Arnold Goodstein’s Wife: Judge Diane Schafer Goodstein
Diane Schafer Goodstein, born in 1955 in Dillon, South Carolina, is a seasoned Circuit Court Judge. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1981. In 1983, she married Arnold Samuel Goodstein, a former South Carolina senator and attorney. Together, they have two children: Arnold Samuel Goodstein II and Eve Schafer Goodstein. The couple resides in Charleston, South Carolina, and are members of the Charleston Temple Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim.
Judge Goodstein has served as a resident judge for the First Judicial Circuit since 1998, after being elected by the South Carolina General Assembly. She has presided over numerous high-profile cases during her tenure.
In October 2025, a fire destroyed the Goodsteins’ Edisto Beach home. The incident, reportedly caused by an explosion, led to injuries for Arnold and two others. Judge Goodstein was not at home and remained unharmed.
Arnold Goodstein Political Party: Democratic Affiliation
Arnold Samuel Goodstein is a former Democratic politician from South Carolina. He served in both the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1971 to 1973 and the South Carolina Senate in 1969 and 1970, and again from 1975 to 1979. Representing Charleston County, he was known for his commitment to public service and legal expertise. Goodstein is also a Vietnam War veteran, earning two Bronze Stars for heroism.
Arnold Goodstein Injured in Edisto Beach House Fire
Former South Carolina Senator Arnold Goodstein was hospitalized following a devastating fire at his Edisto Beach home on October 4, 2025. The blaze destroyed the three-story residence, sending three individuals to the hospital, including Goodstein, who suffered multiple fractures after jumping from the first floor to escape the flames.
Neighbors and emergency responders rescued the victims using kayaks, navigating through a marshy area behind the house. Goodstein was airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina for treatment.
The fire’s cause is under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Preliminary reports suggest it may have been triggered by an explosion. Judge Diane Goodstein, who was not home during the incident, expressed relief, stating she is “alright.”This incident has raised concerns about safety and security, prompting increased patrols in the area.
Arnold Goodstein’s Children
Arnold Goodstein and Judge Diane Goodstein have two children: Arnold Samuel Goodstein II and Eve Schafer Goodstein. Moreover, their son, Arnold II, was injured in the recent Edisto Beach house fire. He suffered fractures after leaping from the burning home. In contrast, their daughter, Eve, was not reported to be at the scene. Additionally, the family resides in Charleston and remains active in their community. They are also members of the Charleston Temple Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE). Although details about their children’s personal lives remain private, the family continues to receive support during this challenging time. Meanwhile, investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing.
Arnold Goodstein Net Worth
As of 2025, Arnold Goodstein, a former South Carolina state senator and lawyer, has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. His wealth stems from his legal career and public service. Goodstein served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1971 to 1973 and in the state Senate from 1969 to 1970 and again from 1975 to 1979. Additionally, he was a partner at the law firm Goodstein & Jennings. His financial standing reflects his career in law and politics.
