Donald W. Goodwin Naples, FL
Donald W. Goodwin, 77, of Naples, FL, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on October 5, 2012 after living with interstitial pulmonary fibro sis since 2010.
In addition to being an entrepreneur in the telecommunications industry, Don was known to his family and friends as an active man with a great sense of humor and a big heart.
After he retired from his own successful start-up, LMR International, Inc., he and his wife, Louise, travelled the world, spent countless hours protecting the rights of foster children in their temporary homes, and enjoyed time with family and friends. Up until the disease compromised his ability to breathe, Don could be found biking anywhere between Bonita Springs and Port Royal.
Don was born the fifth of nine children on May 10, 1935 to Mary Ellen and Joseph Goodwin in Wooster, MA. When he was five, his family moved to the Philadelphia, PA area and settled in the suburb of Springfield. He attended Catholic schools and went to LaSalle University in Philadelphia, from which he graduated with a B.A. in Chemistry in 1958. He completed one year at Jefferson Medical School, but then changed career paths when he landed a sales position with Parke-Davis Pharmaceuticals. He served in the U.S. Army at Fort Knox in 1958.
Later, Don became interested in the telecommunications field and, after working at RCA and Motorola, had the opportunity to create his own niche company in the wireless industry called LMR International, Inc. He was considered an expert in the land mobile radio industry and was particularly interested in the public safety aspect of it, working with the federal and state governments.
Don married Louise Greene on August 20, 1960 in Springfield, PA. They have three children: Donald, Jr., of Washington, DC., Linda, of Evanston, IL and Karen, of Glen Ellyn, IL. The family lived in Potomac, MD.
After retiring, Don and Louise settled in Naples, FL. They enjoyed boating and golfing. He and Louise were Guardians Ad Litem through Lee and Collier County for five years, advocating for foster children with the state. A lifelong Catholic, he enjoyed attending retreats and strengthening his faith. He loved to travel with Louise, and especially cherished their trips to Europe, China, Central America and Israel. He was a wellloved grandfather and enjoyed attending his grandchildren's plays, sporting events, religious celebrations and graduations. His fascination with technology never waned, and he could be found playing "Words with Friends" with his grandchildren on a regular basis.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Louise; son, Donald (Felice); and daughters, Linda (Matthew) and Karen (Kevin); and grandchildren, Audrey, Ben, Oliver, Jeremy, Elle, Rebecca, Abigail, Emily, Annabel, Olivia, and Grace.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 11, 2012 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens. A special time of remembrance will begin at 7:30 p.m.
A mass of Christian burial will be offered at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Avenue, Naples, FL. on Friday, October 12, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Naples Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Don's name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 811 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60642, www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.
www.hodgesfhatnaples mg.com
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Karen, Linda, Don Jr and Mrs. Goodwin, I am so sad to hear about Mr. Goodwin's passing. I will always remember his fantastic sense of humor on his college visits to EIU. We had a lot of fun on parents weekends, at Ike's and ordering late-night JimmyJohn's. He was also a hands-on dad to all of us with our apartment "fix-it" questions. If ever a person laughed with his eyes, it was Mr. Goodwin... They sparkled with joy and complete love for all of you--- Clearly you were his most prized gifts in life...What a wonderful, remarkable man. God bless you.
Kerri Robbins-Koziol
October 18, 2012
Begin your entry here.Louise: Lynne and I were so sorry to hear of Don's passing. You have our deepest sympathies. Hopefully, we will find a cure for this terrible disease.
Jim Puglise
October 11, 2012
Dearest Aunt Louise and Family, I was deeply saddened when I hear of Uncle Don's passing. Uncle Don will always be remembered by myself and family with great affection. You will all remain in our thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathies
Mary Ellen Mannix
October 11, 2012
Mrs. Goodwin, Donald, Linda, Karen and families,
I was very saddened to learn of Mr. Goodwin's passing. I always enjoyed his sense of humor in high school when I would come over to your house with Linda. And over the years, in conversations with Linda, I learned what a devoted grandfather he was. What a gift!
I pray that you all find solace in each other and in your special memories of him in the days ahead, and that you sense God's hand holding you every moment.
"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Wish I could be there with you to celebrate Mr. Goodwin's wonderful life. Please know I am with you in spirit and prayer.
With love,
Kim Ruley Piekos
Kim Piekos
October 11, 2012
My memories of Donald were childhood ones from Wayne Ave in Springfield. Was nice to see what a great life Don lead. He certainly lived life to the fullest . My sincere condolences to the entire Goodwin Family
Alice Kearns Elliott
October 10, 2012
Dear Goodwin Family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Goodwin when I traveled to Florida for Spring Break with Audrey in 2009. I will always remember how warm and welcoming he and Mrs. Goodwin were. The long bike ride Mr. Goodwin took Audrey and I on was a highlight of our trip! Even after only visiting for a few days, it was clear what a wonderful man Mr. Goodwin was. Please know that I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God's peace be with you.
Lauren Waters
October 10, 2012
May the peace of God be with you all during these difficult days.
Phil 4:6, 7
October 10, 2012
May the passing of time and fond memories of happier day, help you to cope ande endure these difficult days.
A. Ingram
October 10, 2012
Louis,
Our sincere condolences for your loss.
Lynn & Jill Bishop
October 10, 2012
dear goodwin's,
find peace in that our soul's will forever live and that someday we will all be together again.
god bless you all,
john goodwin 3rd
October 10, 2012
Dear Louise,
It is with deep sadness that I write this message.
Don was an inspiration to me in so many ways and he will be in my heart forever. I know he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he could not have been a more supportive friend to me, and I'm sure to many others.
Some of my happiest, laugh-filled times over the past twenty-five years were spent with Don. Whether over the phone or in person, Don had a way to bring out the humor in any situation. I can hear his laugh as well as the life-changing advice he gave me over the years. How blessed I am to have known such a wonderful, loving, and caring man.
I share your pain, Louise, and I send you my love and deepest sympathy at this saddest of times.
Much love,
Mike
Michael Vezo
October 10, 2012
A highlight of my life was knowing Don Goodwin and his wonderful family. May God bless the memory of this good man and comfort his grieving family. The footprint that Don left on this earth and on the lives of those who knew him will endure.
Tom Carlson
October 10, 2012
Dear Aunt Louise and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Uncle Don will be missed.
Dan Goodwin and family
San Clemente, CA.
October 10, 2012
Dear Goodwin Family.......You all will have wonderful memories......Now you have someone up in heaven who will intercede for you.....Prayers, cris
October 9, 2012
To Mrs. Goodwin & Family,
The staff of the NCH Pulmonary Rehab staff wishes to extend our deepest sympathy to you. It was our pleasure and honor to work with Don in rehab. He was a wonderful, caring man whom will be missed.
The Pulmonary Rehab Staff @ NCH
October 9, 2012
Dear Louise and family,
George and I are truly deeply saddened by Don's passing. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers and we pray that the Lord will accept his soul into his heavenly kingdom with all of the angels and saints and grant him a place of peace, refreshment and light. Our love to you Louise.
George & Patricia Gothot
October 9, 2012
Aunt Louise and Family - So sorry for the passing of Uncle Donald, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Warmest Thoughts
Paul and Kim Goodwin
October 9, 2012
Dear Louise and Family, I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss, I always enjoyed time spent with you and Don. You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Gail Rust
October 9, 2012
Dear Mrs Goodwin and family,
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Don touched all our hearts and souls in the short time we knew him!! God bless you.
Patricia, Holly and Cheryl
(Don's infusion team)
October 9, 2012
Dear Louise and Family,
Our most sincere condolences to you at this most difficult time. Don left his "footprint" on so many of our lives for which we are grateful. I met Don when you both lived in the Northern Virginia area and were involved with the Kiwis. Don and I volunteered as well at St. Luke's in McLean for several years ~ always a gentleman and always fun. Bud and I will remember fondly our visit when you lived in Fort Myers and the boat trip with Karen and Bob ~ lots of laughs. Remembering with a smile......
Maripat and Bud Kline
October 9, 2012
Dear Louise and family, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to you. You've been in my thoughts and prayers recently as Don & I emailed and discussed our lung problems and our own mortality. Don and I are relatively new friends so the beautifully written obituary was greatly appreciated. It was easy to see that Don was a kind and loving family man, bright, witty, even as he faced many health concerns. May God bless you all now and forever.
geOrgia weaver
October 9, 2012
Aunt Louise and family,
We were saddened to hear of Uncle Don's passing. He will always be remembered as a man who embraced life and loved family. So sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.
Melissa and Jeff Fortunato
Melissa Fortunato
October 8, 2012
Dear Louise...Our heartfelt sympathy to you and all your family in the loss of your beloved Don. You were such a special loving couple! May your many wonderful memories comfort all of you during these difficult days. Love and God bless!
Tom & Gerry Egan
October 8, 2012
Dear Louise and Family,
Barry and I are so sorry to hear about your loss.
Don was a wonderful man who lead a full and successful life. To accomplish all that he has and to be so loved by family and friends is a wonderful legacy that will not be forgotten.
You have wonderful memories to comfort you and we hope it brings you great peace as you go down this new path in life.
Our hearts are with you.
Susan Regenstein
Susan & Barry Regenstein Frank
October 8, 2012
Dea Louise and Family:
Chris and I were greatly saddened to learn of Don's passing away. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Don was always a very forward lookng and cheerful person. He taught me a lot.
Louise, I am so sorry I will not be able to come. I am leaving for Tokyo on the 11th to see my mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Mia Hsu
October 8, 2012
Louise we were sadden to hear of Don's passing. He was a great neighbor and friend. We ask God to give you and your children strength at this difficult time.Our prayers are with you.
Rose and Joe LoPresti
October 8, 2012
Bill and I are so very saddened by this news. Many fun times were shared with Don and Louise and we considered them one of our dearest friends. Our thoughts are with Louise and family. My you find comfort in Gods love and fond memories. Our love, Toni and Bill Huther
October 8, 2012
Dear Louise & Family: So very sorry to learn of Don's passing. Don & I became active email pals over the last few years. Mostly remember the visits with you and Don out here in Seattle area. Good fun together. Cousin Jay.
Jay Reardon
October 8, 2012
Jay Reardon
October 8, 2012
On behalf of the staff at the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation we offer our deepest condolences to the Goodwin family. While this is a difficult time, please know that as a foundation we can offer support and information to your family as you move forward. We sincerely hope you will join the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in the fight to permanently eliminate this disease.
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
October 8, 2012
To Mrs. Goodwin and the entire Goodwin family; my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I was very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to get to know Don over the past several years. Don was thoughtful, sincere, kind-hearted, and intelligent. However, his most endearing quality was the love he had for his wife and family, which was always evident in both his words and actions. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace with God his creator.
Adam Bourk
October 8, 2012
Aunt Louise... Don, Linda and Karen,
Our deepest sympathies. We are so sad to hear about the passing of Uncle Don. I'll always appreciate his introduction to a "pen-pal" for me... Art Cebrowski. Mentorship doesn't get much better than that! Thanks Uncle Don.
All our love,
Joe and Jennie Goodwin
October 8, 2012
Dear Louise,
My deepest sympathy to you and the family.
Love, Mary Bifulco
October 8, 2012
Dear Goodwin Family,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, father, and grandfather. I have many wonderful memories of being in your home and around your family and know he will be greatly missed. Please know that my deepest sympathies and love go out to you.
Diana Thomson Anderson
October 8, 2012
Dear Louise, Bryant and I want to express to you and your family our sincere sorrow for your loss. Please know that we are here for you if there is anything we can do to help at this very difficult time. All our love to you and your family.Dorothy and Bryant Yunker
October 8, 2012
Linda,
So very sorry to hear to about your father... he sounded like such a wonderful man! My heart really goes out to you. I am here anytime you need to talk. I know its not easy losing your dad. Maybe we can cry on each others shoulders and somehow comfort each other when you get back. Just know we are all thinking of you right now.
Much love,
Lisa Rhein
October 8, 2012
Don ,
I will miss our bike rides together.
Thank you for the 'tips"introducing me to the roads.
You will be remembered each time I head down to the bike racks and head out for a wonderful Sunday am ride.
"730 am if your spirit will be riding with me"
You were a good friend and great neighbor.
TT
October 8, 2012
Dear Aunt Louise and family:
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob Goodwin and family
October 8, 2012
I will miss my dear friend and will forever remember the great comradery we have had for over 50 years. Our sympathies go out to Louise and his entire family.
Joyce & Don Arsenault
Atlanta Georgia
October 8, 2012
Aunt Louise, Don Jr, Linda, Karen and my aunts and uncles ... my deepest sympathies. I will always remember Uncle Don, the jovial guy from Maryland at t13th St in Avalon. The times we had stay in our memories forever. Those are the times to remember - the great happy times.
Rich Goodwin
October 8, 2012
Dear Goodwin Family - what a tremendous write up in celebrating Mr. Goodwin's life!! Practically a second father over many decades I was surprised I didn't know so many great things about his life. But his sense of humor is what has always stuck out for me!! Beginning on the tennis courts of Country Glen in the 70's (in the mixed doubles rounds) all the way through the emails of this past decade. I also particularly liked your remembrance of his strong faith. He managed to impart it so very well to his son Don and to me in strong and continued practice with our families today. Thanks so very much for so many wonderful loving years of fatherly love and leadership!! Jeff Meshinsky and Family
Jeff Meshinsky
October 7, 2012
Dear Louise and Family. We are deeply saddened and shocked upon hearing of the passing of your Husband, Father, and Grandfather, Don. May the thoughts and prayers of all those who love you help sustain you at this very difficult time. Please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences and know that you are very much in our hearts and prayers at this time of sorrow.
Love,
Eileen and Hank Pearson
Eileen & Hank Pearson
October 7, 2012
Aunt Louise and family,
I was saddened to hear about Uncle Don's passing. I know he will be greatly missed by many people. Personally, I will always be thankful for his efforts tracing the Goodwin family tree. I still vividly remember viewing the extensive printout he produced for our family reunion in 2005. I am proud to share his research with my son. this is just one more way Uncle Don's love of family will continue.
Hugs,
Allison Shields Anderson and family
Allison Shields Anderson
October 7, 2012
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