He was born in Mendham, New Jersey to Louis and Dorothy (Rowell) Goodrich on January 4, 1940. His family moved to Franklin a few years later, where he attended Franklin Central School and graduated in 1957. After high school, he entered the U.S. army as an aircraft mechanic; at the time his two brothers were also serving in the military.
He married Margot (Loker) Goodrich on March 31, 1962 and five years later designed and built the unique Franklin home where he lived for the rest of his life. He worked for United Parcel Service for thirty-five years and was a UPS Safe Driver and member of the Circle of Honor. After retirement in 1997, he offered skilled support to his son in establishing Goodrich Aviation in Endicott. He was a commercial rated pilot, and an early member of the Experimental Aircraft Association who built two ultralights and owned four different airplanes. He was also a lover of horses and equestrian sport.
Don was a dedicated family man who loved working on creative projects, taking care of his property and observing eagles from his magnificent view of East Sidney Lake. He is survived by his wife Margot Goodrich, the love of his life; their sons Greg Goodrich of Stuart, Florida and Doug (Janet) Goodrich of Endicott; beloved grandchildren Theresa Goodrich, Bethany Goodrich, Kristen Goodrich, Alison Goodrich and Abby Goodrich; brother Paul Goodrich of Michigan; sisters Linda Elderkin and Sonja Johns of Franklin; sister-in-law Annette Law Goodrich; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Tom Goodrich.
Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00 on Saturday, November 4 at Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, 425 Main Street, Franklin. The memorial service will be at 2:00 P.M. at Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Franklin Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Franklin Fire and Rescue, 351 Main Street, Franklin, NY 13775.
To send an online condolence please visit www.bennettfh.com
Arrangements by the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home
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