Mark Edward Goodrow

Mark Edward Goodrow, 68, of Keyport, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025-fittingly, on Veteran's Day-surrounded by the family that loved him fiercely.
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Mark was the third son of the late Carol Jane (Worswick) and Joseph Harold Goodrow. From an early age, he embodied strength, loyalty, and a heart that always turned toward service. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Mark served from 1976 to 1982.
Mark's faith was central to his life. He was an active member of St. Joseph's Church and the Knights of Columbus, serving his parish community with dedication, humility, and wholehearted commitment. He worked for many years as the maintenance supervisor for St. Joseph's parish, a role he poured his hands and heart into-quietly supporting a place and people he loved.
Mark's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving children, Charity Goodrow, Steven O'Dwyer, Stephanie Goodrow and Jordan Goodrow; his treasured grandson Liam; and his nine siblings Joseph, Thomas, Laura, Carol, John, Glen, Gerard, Sally, and Shirley. He was a devoted father-raising four children as a single dad-and a deeply proud "Pop Pop," whose eyes lit up the brightest when a baby was in his arms. He leaves behind a legacy of love, sacrifice, and unwavering presence.
To those who knew him, Mark was unforgettable. He was a storyteller, a conversationalist, and an unofficial philosopher. He was principled, opinionated, and generous to a fault. He loved to cook, his heart was large, and he gave freely from it.
Mark was strong-strong in body, strong in will, strong in spirit. A championship wrestler in his youth, in addition he was a member of a high school all star team which competed in several venues in Germany, a memory he held with lifelong pride. He believed deeply in justice and fairness, and stood firm in what he knew was right. He helped mentor many of his children's friends, shaping young lives simply by being present, honest, and real.
He was, as his family lovingly describes, someone who could not be pinned down and did not fit into any box. He was loyal, complex, stubborn, loving, hilarious, frustrating, generous, and absolutely one of a kind. Above all, he loved his family with a ferocity that never wavered. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark, please visit our floral store.