Geoffrey Goodman

The world lost one of its sweetest, most loving souls on October 4th, 2014, with the sudden passing of Geoffrey M. Goodman, 51, as he was moving his favorite toy, his Hobie Catamaran, to a different spot in his Hoopers Island yard.
At first glance, with strong, muscular physique and bald head he could easily be mistaken for a “tough guy” (celebrity bodyguard, even) when in truth he was the most gentle and caring man you could ever meet. He exuded kindness and found great joy in making the people around him happy. He maintained a positive attitude through any challenges placed before him, creating an aura of contentment that put everyone at ease. He was intelligent and quick-witted and wherever he went happiness and laughter followed.
Geoffrey enjoyed life on every level with his wife, best friend and soul mate, April Dean Goodman. Their love for each other found that perfect spot where it was evident to all. The twinkle in their eyes let you know that they were more in love with each other than the day before.
Geoffrey loved Hoopers Island, frequently referring to their waterfront rental as “paradise.” Their time before and after work was spent holding hands while gazing at resident egrets, herons, ospreys, and bald eagles followed by bike or boat rides in search of sea glass and driftwood. Geoffrey was in awe of every sunrise and sunset and would photograph them almost daily. He and April were members of Blackwater National Wildlife refuge and enjoyed frequent serene trips through the park.
Together Geoffrey and April owned Bliss Jewelry in Cambridge, Maryland. April would work inside the store while Geoffrey sat outside on the corner creating his art. Even though he knew he could make twice as many of his lovely sea glass sailboat necklaces (without urban distractions) in his Hoopers Island studio, it was immensely important to him that he created his art on the corner sidewalk of Poplar Street instead. He so loved interacting with members of the Cambridge community: waving to, joking with, and smiling at passersby. He looked forward to his daily work.
Geoffrey sold his sea glass sailboat pendants in his own store Bliss and in galleries and gift shoppes in Annapolis and New Jersey and at art shows up and down the east coast. His first wholesale account was at Port of Art in St. Michaels, Maryland. His spirit was lifted by the enthusiasm that co-owners Marianne Yeager Stallsmith and Aida Khalil Trissell showed for his work and he appreciated their friendship. He also held close fellow sea glass artists Sue and Ron Posey and Sue’s cousin Cheryl Bailey.
Geoffrey was born on August 6th, 1963 to Harold Goodman and (the late) Rose Mary Uzelac Goodman in Superior Wisconsin and moved to Colorado in 1966. The foothills and bluffs of the mountains were his playground. He loved being outdoors and revered the magnificence of his natural surroundings.
Geoff was proud to have served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy. Upon graduating from Thomas B. Doherty High School in 1981 school he was accepted into the US Navy’s very elite nuclear power program where he spent 8 ½ years traveling the world in a nuclear-powered submarine. He was also a navy diver completing jobs alongside Navy SEALS.
After the Navy, Geoff worked as a master industrial electrical contractor in North Carolina followed by roles of “plant manager” at companies such as Dr. Pepper, 7-Up and Island Oasis. He moved to Cambridge in the summer of 2011 to serve as “plant engineer” of Food Swing (now Protenergy) on Woods Road where Geoffrey was a natural leader, mentor, and friend to many. Even after leaving Protenergy in 2012 to join his wife full-time in their business ventures, he maintained close friendships with co-workers Andrew Tolley, Donna Landon, Dawn Bryan and Ronnie Bryan, all of whom shared mutual respect and admiration for one another.
Geoffrey was a very active and dedicated volunteer for Cambridge Main Street. Additionally, on Wednesday nights he enjoyed sailboat racing on the Choptank River with friends Will Dennehy and Bob Gallagher.
Surviving him besides his wife April of Hoopers Island and father Harold “Goody” Goodman and companion Supalek Namboonruang of Colorado Springs, CO; is a daughter Chelsea Tokos of Endicott, NY; sons Wesley Goodman of Endicott, NY, Jaymin Goodman of Swansboro, NC; sister Dana D’Alessio and husband Chad of Highlands Ranch, CO; brother Brian Goodman and wife Kim of Colorado Springs, CO; granddaughter Annabella Rose Tokos of Endicott, NY; grandmother Nanny Tuggle and husband Dr. Grover Tuggle of Chester, SC; aunts and uncles, June Nyberg of Superior, WI., Wayne and Karen Lyles of Spartanburg, SC, Terry and Susan Darby of Colorado Springs, CO; niece Regan Goodman; nephews Kyle, Eric and Brandon Gilman, Chase Goodman and Mason D’Alessio; great niece Emma Gilman; numerous cousins from South Carolina, Florida, Wisconsin, California and Australia.
Family on April’s side that he loved! Laurie Dean (sister-in-law), Peck and Kathie Dean (in-laws), Savannah Raine Whitacre (step-daughter), who he thought of as his own, and she thought of him as a second father.
Beloved friends: Cambridge residents, Eric Foster, Terry and Robyne Feehley, Jeff Johnson, Victor and Linda MacSorley of St Michaels, and Bill Carey of Colorado Springs.
Geoffrey was a glowing example of how to live life through a commitment to professional and personal excellence. He touched the world in a positive light in many ways, leaving a legacy of joy and love.
A memorial service will be held at Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P.A. Friday, October 10, 2014 beginning at noon with military honors. The family will receive friends the hour prior to service. Mr. Steve Bloodsworth will officiate. (Geoff would like you to be comfortable and casual--so no suits necessary).
Per Geoffrey’s wishes, family and friends will celebrate a life well-lived at Leaky Pete’s immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Geoffrey’s passion for art please make donations to the Geoffrey Goodman Legacy Fund Bank of America, 700 Sunburst Highway, Cambridge, Maryland 21613. This fund will go towards encouraging and mentoring local emerging artists and craftspeople.
To share memories or send online condolences please visit www.newcombcollins.com

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ,Friday, October 10, 2014
Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P.A.
308 High Street Cambridge, MD, Dorchester 21613

Memorial Service

12:00 p.m. ,Friday, October 10, 2014
Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P.A.
308 High Street Cambridge, MD, Dorchester 21613