Robert George Butler Goodell

Robert George Butler Goodell passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children on February 7, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on Nov 6, 1934, to Josiah and Alice (Daley) Goodell. As a teenager, he helped build his family home with his father in Tewksbury, Massachusetts and played the trumpet in his high school band where he developed a lifelong love of Jazz.

He graduated from Northeastern University in 1959 and moved to Manhattan Beach, California where he enjoyed both the Pacific Ocean and weekend ski trips to Mammoth Mountain. He pursued a career in civil engineering at the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), where he worked for 37 years, most notably designing and implementing the first carpool lanes and overseeing the public arts program including the 84 Olympic Freeway Murals.

Robert met his wife Irene at a Catholic dance, and they were married in 1965. The Irishman from the East Coast was immediately immersed in a warm and welcoming Mexican family from San Diego. An only child (after losing two sisters at an early age) he reveled in the chaos and comfort of a big family. They had 4 children together who became the center of his world. He was a loving and devoted father, spending endless hours at Boy Scout meetings, softball games, track meets and dance performances. As his kids became adults, he offered his unwavering love and support in every moment and at every milestone. He was also a proud and doting uncle to 18 nieces and nephews.

A man of strong faith, he played an active role in his church (St. Robert Bellarmine) as a teacher, usher and eucharistic minister. He lived his life aligned with his strong principles and was always committed to helping others. He could often be found feeding the homeless or volunteering at Loaves and Fishes and the Burbank Temporary Aid Center.

An avid photographer, who documented all the family parties, weddings, baptisms and quincineras, he was famous for his extensive slide shows. He loved music in all its forms and spent much of his retirement collecting remastered jazz classics and attending concerts across LA.

He was our moral compass. The kindest person in every room. A man who constantly expressed his love for friends and family and always showed compassion for strangers and those others ignored. Grateful for his own blessings, he was generous and selfless with those less fortunate.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Irene Goodell and his children Andrea Brown, Stephanie Goodell, Christina Nash and David Goodell along with his son-in-law Dave Nash and seven grandchildren, Sydney Brown, Hayley Brown, Jack Brown, Aidan Nash, Lilah Nash, Tessa Goodell and Addison Goodell.