CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

William Joseph Goodwin Sr.

His life was his family. Bills’ time with them was building memories. At a young age he taught his children the value of work; they helped him do everything from removing old siding to tearing out concrete. He was a strict dad but only because he wanted quality kids. Vacations found him piling his family in the back of his pickup and driving a couple hours to the mountains or to one of the beaches. Bill made friends wherever he went,striking up conversations along the way. He connected with people on a deep level. His friendships lasted a lifetime. Within weeks of moving to his new neighborhood he knew just about everyone. This year he couldn’t get out to buy candy at Halloween, so he tracked down all the kids in the neighborhood and gave them 2-dollar bills. He was a proud tractor trailer driver for the Teamsters, Local 312 in Chester, PA. He was loyal to his brotherhood; tough times found not just Bill on the picket line, but his family by his side as well. He’d retire young but was restless; he won the lottery with his 2nd career: Bill became a bus driver for kids with special needs; they’d light up when they heard him joking around and him calling them by their nicknames over the bus speaker system. He loved to fish and hunt and though he certainly enjoyed the outdoors, he loved that he was doing it with family even more. He’d teach the grands all the tricks of the trade. And, yes, he enjoyed working with wood, building furniture and just about anything else imaginable, but his last project was his favorite: a memory keepsake box custom made for his granddaughters. He played the guitar and sang and loved many of the oldies(Hank Williams Sr., George Strait, Waylon Jennings, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra) and more. Relaxing times found him keeping fit and socializing (probably more socializing) at the Planet Fitness in Middletown, DE. He was born in Philadelphia and purchased his 1st home and raised his family in Boothwyn, PA where they remained for 23 years. He later relocated to Middletown, DE where Bill and his wife continuedbuilding memories for 27 years before finally retiring to Smyrna, DE where they have been for the past 5 years.

Bill met a pretty girl named Charlotte at a gas station in Chester, PA. They’d share a 60 year marriage. If they had the chance, they’d do it again: the two found the strength to renew their vows this week. Their union was blessed by their children: William Jr (the late Tanya), Kim (Bob) Harris, Harriet Hernandez and Regina (Foster) Nickle, and later by grandchildren, Brooke, Billy, Courtney, Johnny, Sam, Foster, Jesse, Chase and Sarah; and great-grandchildren Rilynn, Lily, John, Dylan, Nadia, Roman, Nova, Liam, Ethan, Kaden and Banner. He was the brother of Edward, Theresa Krause and the late Harry.

Come celebrate 78 great years Thursday January 18, 2024 10 a.m. to noon at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Highway, Swedesboro where there will be a noon service. Donations in lieu of flowers to St Jude Hospital (stjude.org) will be appreciated.