George W. Goodell

On Sunday, January 5th, 2025, our loving father George W. Goodell passed away peacefully in his sleep at 96 years old. He resided in Rochester, NH for most of his adult life where he made many friends. He will be sorely missed by his children, grandchildren, family and friends. George William Goodell was born on November 26, 1928. The only child of Mary Catherine (Currier) Goodell and James H. Goodell of Farmington, NH. George was born at home on his family’s homestead in Alton, NH. When he was old enough to attend school, the family moved to Farmington, NH where he lived until he married. He graduated from Farmington High School in the Class of 1946 and was one of the last surviving member of his class. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy with one of his close friends. He began his military service stationed at the Naval Amphibious Base in Little Creek, VA. Where he served on the USS LSM-R 511, and the USS LSM 104 at the end of World War II. He received the World War II Victory Medal in honor of his service to his country. Once his military service was complete, George returned to his home in Farmington where he met and married the love of his life, Caroline J Fisher, and together they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage before her passing in 2014. Together they built a beautiful home in Rochester, where they raised their six children. Michael Goodell of Rochester, NH; Gail Wade of Tamworth, NH; Karen and her husband Robert Brown of Milton, NH, Wendy and her husband David Fontaine of Rochester, NH; and Cynthia and her husband Jay Ruginski of Buxton, ME. George was predeceased by his Son Mark B. Goodell of Milton, NH. George’s life was filled with a love that continued to grow as his children grew up and married. He was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren, whom he adored and cherished spending time with. George and Caroline both worked at General Electric in Somersworth, NH. Once they started their family, Caroline chose to stay home and raise their children, but George remained working for General Electric for most of his adult life, retiring after 40 years of service where he made many life-long friends. Raising his family was his top priority and he worked tirelessly to give his children a great life. The family had many adventures and loved camping together with their close family friends, June and Russ Taylor and their children. Their yearly excursions to Pittsburg, NH, White Lake State Park and other spots throughout the White Mountains filled him with wonderful memories which he loved to talk about in his later years and brough him lots of laughter. One of George’s other loves was music. As a young man he traveled with a musical group around the Alton and Farmington area. In his adulthood he loved to jam with his other musical friends and occasionally played at local area restaurants and bars playing both the guitar and the banjo. It was a love that never left him. He still loved to watch great guitar players on TV and especially liked Keith Urban. In addition to his beloved wife Caroline, George was predeceased by his son, Mark B. Goodell, in 1999, and grandson, Brady G. Brown in 2018, and his constant companion Baily his dog who he sadly lost in 2024 after 16 years of companionship. He is survived by two of his nieces, Lee Williams of Maryland and Nancy Beede of Virginia, as well as cousins in New Durham, NH. George’s family would like to express their gratitude to all who supported and cared for him during his final days. A wake will be held on Friday, January 10, 2024, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm followed by a service beginning at 5:00 pm at Edgerly’s Funeral Home in Rochester, NH. Arrangements are still being made for a celebration of life to follow the service. Burial will be held in the spring at the Alton Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to a local veterans’ organization of your choice.

George W. Goodell

November 28, 1928 - January 5, 2025