Obituary: Roy Thomas Goodrich, 93, of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT - (From Wallingford Funeral Home) Roy Thomas Goodrich, 93, of Wallingford, died Thursday, January 14, 2021, at Masonicare Health Center. He was the loving Husband of the late Eileen (Kelly) Goodrich.

He was born in Wallingford, CT, January 16, 1927, one of 15 children of the late Edwin and Mary (Chappo) Goodrich.

Roy grew up in Wallingford during the Great Depression. Along with his brothers, Roy worked at the family fuel business, Edward Goodrich Fuel Company.

At age 18, Roy left school and enlisted in the U.S. Army during the final months of World War II, the 6th in his family to serve in that war. He served in the 3rd Infantry in Europe under General Patton.

This experience at such a young age shaped his life as he witnessed the atrocities of war. Roy assisted in the liberation of Nazi concentration camps and aided in the care of war-torn refugees. He had the honor of personally meeting former first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt as she advocated for the care of regular GI’s fighting at the front.

On his return from the war, Roy resumed work at his father’s fuel business. He supported local youth by assisting with the establishment of the Wallingford Boy’s Club. He was instrumental in developing baseball and basketball programs for the Grey Y (later the Wallingford YMCA) and went on to become one of Wallingford Little League’s first team coaches.

Roy later moved to New Jersey where he worked for John Hancock Life Insurance Company. There he met the love of his life Eileen and they married in 1963. Shortly after, they returned to Wallingford where Roy established Goodrich Package Store which he ran for over 30 years until his retirement.

During those years he was elected President of the Connecticut Package Store Association, a supporter of several Wallingford sports teams, a member of the VFW, a sponsor for war refugees from Vietnam, a proponent for diversity and inclusion by sponsoring the SCOW organization and an active parishioner of Most Holy Trinity Church in Wallingford where he was a member of the choir for many years.

In his retirement Roy was a regular volunteer at the Wallingford Senior Center. He and Eileen frequently traveled to her native home in Ireland which felt like a second home to him.

His favorite activities right up until his passing were reading, debate, studying history and following current events. He enjoyed golfing, going on long walks to observe nature and spending time on Cape Cod with his family. He was proud of his grandchildren and their many achievements.

Roy is survived by his children, Brendan Goodrich and his wife Andrea, Kathleen Ruiz and her husband Rodolfo, his stepdaughters Mary Teresa Scotto and her husband Salvatore, Geraldine Macri, Veronica Scharpf and her husband George; 15 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; his sisters, Dorothy Hodas of Cheshire, Jean Stannard of Virginia, Kathleen DeCorso of Florida, Mary Placanica of Maryland, and Alice White of California; his brothers, Mark Goodrich of Florida, and Robert Goodrich of New York; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his stepson Lawrence McGowan as well as his sister, Irene McMahon; and his brothers, Edwin, Harold, Frank, John, Quentin, and Richard Goodrich.

Roy’s family would like to thank the staff of Masonicare for the excellent care and compassion they provided.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service with military honors on Friday, January 22, 2021, at St. John Cemetery in Wallingford at 11 am. Due to the pandemic, there will be no calling hours.

Gifts in his memory may be sent to: Most Holy Trinity Church, (Parish Office), 25 N. Whittlesey Ave., Wallingford, CT 06492 or The Connecticut Food Bank, 2 Research Parkway, Wallingford, CT 06492. Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home.