Kenneth Thomas Goodlesky

Ken, of Livonia, devoted husband, proud father and Papa, and a man whose kindness, humor, and steady presence shapes the lives of everyone who knows him, passed into eternal life on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. He was 78 years old.

Ken was born December 2, 1946, in Highland Park, to the late Anthony and Florence (Kuczuk) Goodlesky. He married Cynthia D. (Mahaffey) on November 17, 1990, in a beautiful outdoor ceremony in Mount Clemens.

Ken graduated from Livonia Franklin High School in 1964, where he earned his letter as a drummer in the school band and spent afternoons and evenings hanging out with friends at Daly's Hamburgers and cruising the neighborhood, doing the occasional burnout. Music stayed with him his whole life - he loves the oldies of the 60s and 70s, and names Johnny Mathis' "Chances Are" as a favorite and happily learns a few of today's songs so he can share a smile with his granddaughter Emilee.

Soon after high school, Ken chose to enroll in the US Air Force and served as a MP in Korea during the Vietnam war; he carried with him the discipline and pride of that service for the rest of his life. After his military duty he began his long and prosperous career as engineer at "Fords", working in the emissions test lab and rising to a role he relished as supervisor - a job that sent him home proud and satisfied. He retired in December 2002 after nearly three decades with the company, a point of quiet pride that rooted him as a second of three generation members of the Ford family.

Ken loved the open sky and small engines - building and flying model planes, riding his motorcycle, and relishing car events like the Woodward Dream Cruise. He enjoys visiting the shooting range and the thrill of a well-aimed shot, and the simple pleasure of a favorite restaurant where staff know his and Cindy's names. He is thoroughly organized (Office Depot and neat drawers make him smile), a loyal fan of Michigan football and the Detroit Tigers and Lions, and a regular on Friday nights in downtown Plymouth for Music in the Park and a stroll with Cindy.

Most of all, Ken is Papa to Emilee- she is his world. From the first minute she looked up at him, he was forever changed because he knew his heart belonged to her. What they share is more than love; it is a soul-deep connection. Some call them soulmates, and no one who knows them could disagree. He texts "good morning" and "good night" every single day, shares meals, gossip, advice, compassion and TV shows with equal delight, and learns new ways to join her world because being with her brings him the greatest joy.

Ken is a gentleman in every sense - a protector, a provider, a caregiver. He opens doors, makes people laugh with a quick, warm wit, listens without judgement when you need to talk, and offers the calm, sensible advice that steadies a family. He gives generously of his time and attention, and he loves fiercely and simply.

Those who know Ken remember his steady hands - at work, at home, and at the little everyday moments that mean so much. He is loved, admired, and will be missed by family and friends who carry his stories, his music, and his example forward with gratitude and love.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 35 years, Cindy. He is father to Kenneth (Cande) Goodlesky, Sean (Tracy) Goodlesky, Kelly (the late Scott) Woodruff, William Bullock, Jennifer Lipinski and the late Dawn Randall; grandfather to Chelsea Kovach, Gavin Goodlesky, Heather (Scott) Maurer, Eric Spooner, Emilee Gerlach and Sean (Gloria Atsalakis) Judnich; great-grandfather to Dylan, Danyel "George" and Madison Cox, and Jace, Nola and Ryder Judnich; and brother to Judy (Marty) Kozicki and Margaret "Peggy" (Don) Marshall.

Memorial tributes are kindly suggested to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Family and friends may gather at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington on Thursday, October 2nd, for visitation from 3-8 pm. A memorial ceremony and military funeral honors will commence at 6:30 pm.