Richard Frederick Goodman, of Shelton, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 13, 2011 at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford in the presence of his loving family following a very courageous battle with leukemia.
Born on March 26, 1957 he was a lifelong resident of the Huntington section of Shelton.
Rick was the loving son of Carole Vogel Goodman and the late Arnold Goodman.
Rick was quick to share his big wide grin with others, he had a good, kind heart and always saw the best side of people. Rick loved visiting with family and his many friends, listening to his favorite music, he enjoyed UConn sports, and Nascar. He never passed up a good meal and he loved chocolate. Rick also enjoyed vacationing in Alaska and Arizona.
Rick spent his entire career in the insurance industry. The majority of this time he worked in the family business Goodman Insurance, Inc. There he was a fixture working alongside his father and siblings dating back to the mid 1970’s. Over the years, he also worked at John Hancock, Phoenix Mutual, Travelers and Wells Fargo.
Rick was a member of St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Huntington Center.
Rick was a member of the Huntington Fire Company #3 for over twenty-five years where he served on the governing board. His involvement with the fire department held a very special place in Rick’s life and in his heart which began in his teens as a member of the Fire Brigade.
His friends from HFC#3 not only visited regularly, they gave of their time, talents and energy to assist Rick during his illness. He was also a member of King Hiram Lodge #12 AF&AM for over 30 years and was a member of DeMolay as a youth. He was the very proud father of Master Sergeant Brian R. Goodman, his wife Kendra Goodman and Thomas W. Goodman, his fiancée Brittney Lipsett. Rick will be sadly missed by his siblings and their spouses, Terri and Edward Houghton, James and Susan Goodman and Lauren and James Brown.
His Godparents, Joyce and Robert Emslie, their family and many additional cousins.
Rick was the uncle to seven nieces and nephews and five great nieces and nephews. He was blessed with many wonderful friends. Friends are invited to attend Funeral Services on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 10:00 AM DIRECTLY in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 25 Church St. Shelton. Interment in Lawn Cemetery, Shelton.
Friends may call on Sunday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Parente-Lauro Funeral Home, 559 Washington Ave. Bridgeport. Masonic Services will be held at 5:00 PM and Fire Company Service will be held at 5:30 PM. At Rick’s request, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Paul’s Episcopal Church and Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut Inc., 126 Monroe Turnpike, Trumbull, CT 06611.
