Robert V. Goodrich

Robert Vincent Goodrich, age 89 and beloved husband of 65 years to Anne (Nancy) Birge Goodrich, passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at Bridgeport Hospital surrounded by his family. Born on April 5, 1928 in Pittsfield, Mass., Bob was the son of the late Arthur V. and Lucy Duval Goodrich and one of eight children. After graduating from Pittsfield High School when he was just 16 years old he attended Norwich Military Academy in Vermont, where he studied to become a cryptographer. He served in the Air Force and while stationed in Hawaii one of his responsibilities included decoding messages. He later became a member of the first graduating class of Fairfield University in 1951.  In 1952 he began his career at the R.B.Birge Co. where he was a successful salesman for nearly 40 years. He made many long-lasting friendships with his co-workers and customers. Bob was a die-hard fan of his beloved Boston Red Sox. He and his sons celebrated with champagne when the Red Sox won the World Series 2004, which ended the 86-year long Curse of the Bambino. He not only cheered for and carefully followed his favorite teams, he gave the same enthusiastic support to his friends and family. Bob’s friendships were whole-hearted; filled with love, fondness, laughter, and encouragement. He thoroughly enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: a good cigar, homemade soup, a classic movie, and great conversation on the front porch.  He traveled the world reveling in beautiful landscapes and cultures, but loved being at home the best, especially relaxing in the backyard. A Stratford resident of nearly 60 years, he leaves behind his wife, Nancy, and 12 devoted children and their spouses - George and Mary Frances Goodrich, Anne Goodrich and Arne Fredlund, Mary Jo Goodrich, Robert X. Goodrich, Matthew and Maureen Goodrich, Jeanne and Kevin Massey, John Goodrich, Kathryn and Dmitry Svirsky, Edward Goodrich, Marguerite Goodrich, Elizabeth Goodrich and Peter Mavroghenis, and Christine and Robert Caldwell as well as 20 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. We will miss him greatly and always remember him lovingly.  He was very fond of his 31 nieces and nephews from Stratford and 22 nieces and nephews from the Berkshire area. He treasured the memories of good times shared with his whole extended family. He is also survived by his sister Bette and her husband Alfred Simo from Pittsfield, Mass., brother-in-law O.Ted Kirby Jr. from Virginia. Bob was predeceased by his brothers Arthur and his wife Kitty, Raymond and his wife Bessie, Louis, Richard and his wife Mary and his sisters Joan Goodrich Kirby and  Marguerite Goodrich, brother-in-law William Minahan, brother-in-law Monsignor George Birge, brother-in-law Robert Birge and his wife Barbara, and sister in-law Ellen Stadtmueller. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10:30 AM at St. James Church, 2070 Main Street, Stratford where a mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home, 2220 Main Street, Stratford, Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM for visitation.  Thank you all the special nurses, doctors, staff and VITAS Hospice at Bridgeport Hospital. For those who so desire contributions can be made in Bob’s name to VITAS Hospice Charitable Foundation. 

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