William J. Goodman

1950 - 2021

BELLINGHAM - William J. Goodman, 70, of Bellingham, MA. The loving family of William J. Goodman (aka Bill or most popularly Papa) is sad to announce his passing after a well fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Thanks to the hero nurses of VNA Care Hospice, Bill passed at home, in the loving arms of his wife and three children, on Thursday, February 25, 2021.

Bill was born on July 20, 1950 in Pawtucket, RI. He was the son of the late Harold and Estelle Goodman. He attended Pawtucket schools after which he entered the United States Air Force serving from 1969 1973. Bill worked as a truck driver for ABF Freight for many years and was a proud member of the Teamsters Union Local 653. He and his wife Robin married in 1995. The couple resided and raised their children in Bellingham. He was a loving and supportive father who could always be found on the sidelines of pop warner football games, field hockey games, or marching band practice. He retired in 2013 and soon after began his second career as a beloved Papa. This was his true calling.

Bill was best known for his warm and genuine personality. He loved making friends and made them everywhere he went. From stops on his trick route to his loving neighbors, to the UPS delivery person, the postal carrier, and the sanitation workers who came to know him by name. His very best friend of all was his beloved golden retriever, Jacob. Upon retirement the pair could be seen walking all around Silver Lake, stopping to greet every 2 legged and 4 legged friend they met.

Bill was a lifelong Red Sox and Patriots fan and one of his fondest memories is attending Game 1 of the 2004 World Series with his beloved brother Buster. He loved to spoil his nieces and nephews and later his grandchildren.

In 2014, Bill became a Papa and it was clear that this was the most rewarding role he had ever fulfilled. He wasn't the type of grandparent who enjoyed just watching children play. Papa was always part of the game. He could routinely be found sitting in a kiddie pool, donning full on superhero costumes, and sneaking treats to his treasured grandsons. In the highest of praise his grandson once declared that he "loves Papa more than a basket full of candy!" The family's grief is so deep because of the wonderful man that he was. They have many anecdotes and stories of his wonderful life to share over the years to come.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Robin, his daughter Kimberly and her husband Matthew Mahoney; his daughter Melanie Carvalho and her husband Jason Graham; his son Richard Carvalho and his fiancé Samantha Beauvais; his beloved grandsons Owen, Peter, and John; his brothers Harold and Paul and his sisters Patricia and Karen, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his Parents Harold E. and Estelle D. Goodman, his brothers Raymond, David, and Paul and his sister Ruth.

Bill will be laid to rest at The Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Services will be private under the direction of Cartier's Funeral Home in Bellingham. To sign guest book www.cartiersfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to VNA Hospice and Palliative Care in memory of Bill to support patients and families. VNA Hospice and Palliative Care Fund Development Office, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608 or www.vnacare.org/donors.