Rev. George F. Goodwin

Reverend George F. Goodwin, a beacon of faith and compassion, completed his earthly journey on May 12, 2025, in Ellicott City, Maryland, just a few days shy of his 92nd birthday. Born on May 20, 1933, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to the late George and Sarah (Nell) Goodwin, he dedicated his life to serving others and spreading kindness.
George was a man of deep conviction who followed his calling to serve the Lord from a young age. He pursued an education that equipped him to lead a life of ministry, obtaining a Bachelor's in Philosophy from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of Divinity from Drew University. These achievements set the foundation for what would become a long and fulfilling career in pastoral service.
His professional journey began as an associate pastor at Elm Park United Methodist Church in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and thereafter, he led congregations at Chinchilla United Methodist Church, Central United Methodist Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and he was an Education Secretary of the Wyoming Annual Conference. George's wisdom and guidance were further recognized when he was appointed as the District Superintendent for the Scranton District, overseeing more than 90 churches. His devotion and leadership then took him to First Church Oneonta in Oneonta, NY, where he served faithfully for many years. His career was marked by several other appointments, including pastorates in Norwich, NY, Endicott, NY, Newark Valley, NY and Clarks Green, PA, where he and Eleanor would choose to live in retirement.
Beyond the pulpit, George was a lover of classical music, amassing a collection of LPs in the '60s and '70s and later adding to his collection with CDs in the subsequent decades. He also loved the challenge of finding classical music on the airwaves and would install an impressive radio antenna in the attic of more than one home to bring that music into the house. His proximity to Baltimore in his later years presented him with the joyous opportunity to attend concerts by the Baltimore City Orchestra, an experience he greatly cherished.
George's eye for the unique and his appreciation for artistic expression were evident in the various small sculptures and handmade items that adorned his home. He was captivated by the stories behind each piece, from Whalebone scrimshaw to Handblown glass to Hummel figurines. In his last decade, George developed an unexpected enthusiasm for sports, becoming a fan of hockey, football, and lacrosse as he shared these moments with his grandsons, Christopher George Goodwin and Zachary Thomas Goodwin, who would eagerly explain the nuances of each game and season to him.
George is survived by his loving son, Jonathan, and daughter-in-law, Andrea, as well as his daughter-in-law, Carol Slaff, and his cherished grandsons. George was predeceased by his adored wife, Eleanor Marie Schmieg Goodwin, and his eldest son, George Goodwin, Jr. His family remembers him as a faith-filled, thoughtful, and loving man who left an indelible mark on the hearts of those he touched.
Reverend George F. Goodwin's life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his faith and his enduring love for his family and community. He lived by example, demonstrating the virtues of kindness, patience, and understanding in every aspect of his life. Though he has now passed on to eternal peace, his legacy of goodwill and the profound impact he made on his congregation and community will forever resonate with those who had the privilege to know him.
We bid a heartfelt farewell to George, trusting that he has found serenity in the company of the divine. His memory will be treasured in the hearts of many, and his influence will continue to guide us, as he always did, towards a path of love and compassion.