David W. Goodwin

David W. Goodwin, 92, of Panama City, FL formally from Trenton, NJ passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, after a brief illness. He was born in Trenton, NJ, son of David and Eva Goodwin.

Dave graduated from Trenton Catholic where he excelled at baseball as well as soccer. Later in life, he earned his master's degree from Thomas Edison College, a testament to his lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth.

He went on to play professionally with the Boston Braves and Philadelphia Phillies organizations in baseball and with the Jersey Falcons and the German American Kickers in soccer. His playing ability is underscored by his induction in 1995 to the Mercer County Sports Hall of Fame. It was also in NJ that he began coaching American Legion Post 313 and was named state director of the program and served as Post Commander. Dave was a scout for the Phillies organization. After a Legion coaching stint in Minnesota, Dave moved to Bay County FL and coached American Legion Post 66 for five years with his teams winning 157 games and qualifying for two state tournaments. He became District 6 Commissioner for Florida Little League in 1985 the same year he became Director of Leisure Services in Panama City overseeing the development and improvement of parks and recreation. Dave was a prominent force in the development of the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the German American Kickers Soccer Club on March 1, 2025, for his outstanding achievements as a Trenton Liederkranz/GAK Player and Undefeated GAK Coach. He was a fierce competitor player as a right outside defender and as a backup goalkeeper. Dave was the only American born member of that team. He also coached his son at the GAK going undefeated for two years. Dave is a member of the Mercer County Soccer Hall of Fame. He was also active in umpiring and soccer officiating in both Florida and New Jersey.

Dave loved and served his country proudly. He joined the United States Army in 1951 and later retired from the Air Force as Master Sergeant after serving in Operation Desert Storm. He received an Honorary Membership from American Legion Post 392. Dave was a true jokester at heart, known for his quick wit, and endless supply of practical jokes. His humor, and cheeky spirit will be remembered and missed deeply by all who knew and loved him.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Ruth Swift Goodwin and his brothers James and Gerald and granddaughter Jill and grandsons Kevin and Logan. He is survived by his sister Monica Pangaldi (Davey) of Hamilton, NJ and his children, Thomas (Diane), of Port St. Lucie, FL, Timothy (Diana) of Burlington, NJ, Cynthia-Jean Goodwin Van Pelt (Gerald) of Sebastian, FL, Marlene Goodwin Esola (Joseph) of Tequesta, FL, James Goodwin (Tracey) of Yardley, PA, Katie Sean Goodwin Herr (Donnie) and Erin Goodwin Tuthill of Elizabethton, TN. His stepsons Gary (Tammy) Ege of Yardley, PA and David Ege (Maryann) of Colorado. He also has 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at 10:30AM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Panama City FL with a Rosary beginning at 11AM and Mass at 11:30AM. Interment with US Air Force Honors will follow at Garden of Memories cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of David W. Goodwin to the Wounded Warrior Project. Donations may be made online or by mail.

Online donations may be made by selecting the "In Honor / Memory Of" option on the Wounded Warrior Project website and noting David W. Goodwin.

Donations by mail may be sent by check payable to Wounded Warrior Project at:

PO Box 758516

Topeka, KS 66675

Please include "In memory of David W. Goodwin" with your donation.