Decorated Army veteran, father of Harvard man
Edward Goodman (Courtesy photo)
Edward F. Goodman, Sr., 70, of Shirley, passed away Friday evening, May 24, 2013, in Nashoba Valley Regional Hospital.
Edward “Sonny” was born in Altona, New York, on December 29, 1942, a son of the late Edward J. and Christina (Garuis) Goodman. He graduated from the Leominster Trade School and made his career in the U.S. Army. Edward served two tours in the Vietnam War during his 21-year active duty career. He was a motor pool sergeant and a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. After his honorable discharge as a staff sergeant, Edward served another 20 years in civil service. He was president of the National Association of Government Employees at Fort Devens.
Edward was an avid fisherman who loved to watch old movies and fix cars. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially when hosting his famous barbecues and playing horseshoes.
Edward leaves his wife of 37 years, Ursula (Sauer) Goodman; his children: Julie Harris and her fiancé, Raymond Renaud, of Ayer; Gary Goodman of Nebraska; Robert McCauley and wife, Carolena, of Harvard; Christine Dickerson and husband, James, of Georgia; Edward F. Goodman, Jr. of Ayer; Robert Goodman and wife, Jeannette, of Lunenburg; Benjamin Chamberlain and wife, Loris, of Vermont; Sophie Strout and her husband, Kevin, of Maine; Joshua Chamberlain and wife, Maija, of Vermont; Timothy Chamberlain and wife, Shannon, of Ayer; numerous grandchildren; brother Leonard Goodman of Fitchburg; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral was held May 29 at Brandon Funeral Home in Fitchburg, followed by burial at Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.
