Thomas N. Goodwin

Thomas N. Goodwin, 82, of North Providence, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 2, 2016 at his home. He was the loving husband of the late Patricia M. (Hogan) Goodwin. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Owen F. and Ann (Farrelly) Goodwin. A professional Funeral Director his entire life, Tom began his career in 1951 while serving his apprenticeship under Russell J. Boyle at the former William J. Chisholm Funeral Home. His career spanned over six decades, serving families at the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Homes, in both Providence and Warwick. Tom was well known for his generosity, compassion and good deeds. He is a graduate of La Salle Academy, Providence, and the New England Institute of Applied Arts & Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts. He furthered his education by taking business classes at Providence College. He also held a Master Plumber and Pipefitters License in Rhode Island. Tom was elected to the Rhode Island State Senate in 1968, and went on to serve five terms before he retired from the Senate in 1979. While a state senator, Tom was instrumental in establishing the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, and the Rhode Island Lottery. His daughter Maryellen now holds her father's seat in the Senate. He is a current or former member of over three dozen civic and fraternal organizations, including being a charter member of the "100" Club of Rhode Island, an active member of the Rhode Island Former Legislators Association and a charter member of the Capitol Hill Interaction Council. He is currently a Trustee of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Providence since 1978 and a parishioner since 1958. During retirement Tom, along with his late wife Pat assisted their daughter Maureen in the operation of "Perfect Beginnings Christian Day Care" which was based out of their home in North Providence. He leaves three daughters, Senator Maryellen Goodwin, Sheila A. Connelly and her husband Paul and Maureen P. LaRocque and her husband Jeffrey; three sisters Ann F. Masse, Ellen M. Myers and Catherine M. Murphy; four loving grandchildren, Marygrace Heywood, Teresa Rose and John Paul LaRocque and Liam Thomas Connelly; many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins, and his beloved sidekick, Jorge “Stix” Charon. He was the brother of the late Edward J., Peter K., and Reverend Owen F. Goodwin, ss.cc, Ellen L. Goodwin, Mary U. Sweeney and Jane A. Goodwin. The funeral will be held on Saturday, at 10:00 am, from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, 179 Academy Avenue, Providence. Graveside burial in the Goodwin family lot in Saint Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours Friday, from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Saint Patrick Church, 244 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02908, or perform a good deed or act of kindness in Tom’s memory would be appreciated.