John T. Goodnough

John T. Goodnough, 84, of Pamela Drive, Binghamton, NY passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Wilson Hospital. Born in Johnson City, he is the son of Thomas and Marion Goodnough of Binghamton. He was a 1959 graduate of Chenango Valley Central School District. John received his Associates Degree in Civil Engineering from Broome Community College, and subsequently achieved his Professional Engineer’s (PE) License.

John was a Civil Engineer with EMJ/McFarland-Johnson Engineers for over 20 years. He oversaw the construction of multiple highways, bridges and airports throughout Connecticut, Vermont, and New York State. Later in his career, through his love of trains, he opened up a model train shop on lower Front St., Binghamton.

John had multiple talents and interests, with a strong love of history and farming. He was a skilled carpenter who built everything from home furniture, the family home, to the barn that housed the farm animals he loved and cared for. Perhaps his greatest building project was a two ton working train in his own backyard, with 600 feet of track, a station and storage house. This train (he called the Chenango Falls Railway) would travel throughout the woods and hillside of his property, offering family and friends a brief trip back in time. He was known as the “Casey Jones” of Chenango Forks.

He was an active member and participant in several historical societies, holding various offices in each: National Railway Historical Society, The Binghamton Civil War Historical Society and Roundtable, Sons of Union Veterans of The Civil War, and The Goodenow Family Association.

John was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Richard Goodnough . He is survived by his beloved daughters Susan Goodnough, Jacqueline (James) Carrese, and Jennifer (Jon) Chetwynd. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jessica (Dan) Peck, Matthew (Ashly) Poodiack, Jason (Kyle) Cummings, Luca Carrese, Jon Chetwynd, Thomas Chetwynd, and four great-grandchildren.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 10:00am to11:00am at Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango St, Port Dickinson, New York, 13901, on Saturday, 22, 2025, where a memorial service will follow 11:00am. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery in Endwell.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Boys Town, a charity supporting at-risk and struggling youth from all walks of life. Donation information can be found online at boystown.org.