John G. “Bill” Goodwin

John G. “Bill” Goodwin, of 3 Hill Road, Ithaca, passed away at Cayuga Ridge on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at the age of 82.

Born in Syracuse on June 6, 1930, John was the son of the late John R. and Anna May (Powers) Goodwin. He was raised in West Danby and was a student in the Newfield Central School District. John went on to work for the International Salt Company, Tompkins County Highway Department, and then spent the next 40 years as a truck driver for Landstrom’s Gravel Company. Following his retirement, John enjoyed working for George VanValen’s Construction Company. At each of these places he was noted for his work ethic, going far beyond expectation.

His love for the outdoors began at a young age with rabbit hunting and continued throughout his life. He enjoyed any activity outdoors, especially lawn mowing and landscaping. John was an avid sports fan, following NASCAR and Ithaca College football faithfully. With an easygoing spirit, he easily made friends and seemed to know someone everywhere he traveled. More than anything, John loved spending time with family and his Boston Terriers.

John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helena Goodwin of Ithaca; four children, Gary J. (Sandra) Goodwin of Dryden, Bonnie M. (Barry) Smith of Trumansburg, Michael H. (Kimberlee) Goodwin of Newfield, and Susanna L. French of Ithaca; ten grandchildren, Shelly, Keith, Kristy, Kerri, Katie, Koby, Melissa, Taryn, Jessica, and Dennis Michael; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Raymond (Tina) Goodwin of FL and Robert (Rosemary) Goodwin of West Danby; a sister, Barbara Burfield of Elklind, PA; former sons in law, John J. Everhart and Dennis French; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and eight brothers and sisters in law.

The family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 28 at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg. Funeral Services will begin at 1:00 pm on Friday, June 29 at the funeral home with Rev. Nelson Reppert officiating. Prayers of committal will immediately follow in Enfield Christian Cemetery.

The family asks those who wish to make a contribution in John’s memory to kindly consider Cayuga Ridge, Attn: Finance Director, 1229 Trumansburg Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 441 West Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse, NY 13204.