Earl D. Goodrich

He was born on July 20, 1943 in Bainbridge, a son of the late Leslie and Mildred (Roberts) Goodrich. On June 8, 1963, Earl married the love of his life, Rita Spooner, in Dillon, SC.

One of his greatest passions in life was flying. Earl was a commercial pilot with his ATP endorsement. He flew medic and charter planes, carrying his passengers safely to their destinations. Some of his favorite trips included flying with many Senators and another frequent passenger, Martha Stewart. In addition to being a pilot, Earl was also a flight instructor and was the owner/operator of his own charter flight service, Adirondack Airways. He passed his love of flying onto his son, Matthew, whom he taught how to fly. He was also the owner/operator of the Goodrich Fleet and Auto Service for over 49 years.

While a very hard working man, Earl enjoyed his downtime. He was an avid bowler and a bit of a prankster. He also loved to throw huge Christmas parties. Earl will be remembered fondly as a devoted family man. He loved traveling with his family in their motor home, driving Matthew all over for Taekwon-do lessons and tournaments. He also enjoyed helping his daughter and son-in-law to build their geodesic dome home.

Earl is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Rita Goodrich of Oneonta; his son, Matthew Goodrich (Julie Nedell) of Oneonta; his daughter, Amy Goodrich (Brian Hoffman) of Berne, NY; three grandchildren, Jaclin, Andrew and Cortnie Goodrich; and two great grandchildren, Elora Sobey and Gabriel Chauveron. He is also survived by his brother, Ralph (Judy) Goodrich of West Virginia; his sisters, Elvene (Jesse) Hurlburt of Bainbridge, Janette Zindel of Greene, and Thelma (Fred) Hinman of Oxford, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Bill, Tom, and Lester; and by two sisters, Caroline and Marie.

Friends and family are invited to visit from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta, during which time his family will receive guests.

A service to celebrate Earl’s life will be held at 11am on Friday, August 12, 2016 at the funeral home with the Rev. Mel Farmer, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Earl’s family requests that you kindly consider making a charitable donation in his memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241. You may also donate online by visiting the charity’s website: www.diabetes.org or www.heart.org, respectively.

To light a candle or to send an online condolence to the family, please visit our website: www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.