Charles H. Goodwin

Beloved husband, devoted family man, dedicated teacher, esteemed colleague, and friend to many, Chuck Goodwin, has crossed the final finish line after a long and courageous journey, surrounded by love.
Charles Hugh Goodwin, 80, of Endicott, New York, passed away from complications following back surgery, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Guthrie Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, New York.
Born in the middle of a snowstorm on February 2, 1945, to Elizabeth and Arthur Goodwin in Cortland, NY., Chuck’s early years were spent in the small rural hamlet of Baltimore, east of Preble, NY. In 1959 his family moved to Elmira, NY, and it was here, while fleeing the neighborhood bullies, he discovered he was an excellent runner, with speed and endurance. He joined his high school cross-country and track team and excelled, leading the cross-country team as its captain his senior year. After graduating from Elmira Southside High School in 1963, Chuck attended The State University of New York at Oswego. He continued running while on the university track team, becoming one of its most valuable runners, with a passion that remained with him for life. He made many lifelong friendships with his teammates, and with his Sigma Tau Chi fraternity brothers.
Chuck earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts Education (1967) and a Master of Science in Industrial Arts (1973) from SUNY Oswego. He began his teaching career in Worcester, NY, before joining the Union-Endicott School District in 1969, where he taught for the remainder of his career.
Early in the 1980’s, he helped transition the Industrial Arts curriculum from traditional hands-on courses, like woodworking and plastics, to courses in Technology Education with more theory and scientific/mathematical elements, such as aerospace, electricity and electronics. Ultimately his courses advanced to topics such as applied physics, and the principles of engineering. In 2003, Union-Endicott’s Solar Electric Car Project, which Chuck established and advised, won in three categories at the American Tour de Sol road rally, culminating in Washington DC, competing with major auto companies, entrepreneurs, and high school, college, and university teams.
Throughout his career, Chuck sought to advance the field of Technology Education, the complementary adjacent professions (STEM), and the teaching profession more broadly. In the 1990’s, Chuck and his dear friend Bill Youngfert, who was teaching in Long Island, NY, successfully lobbied for the Technology Education mandate for New York state schools. He had the honor of serving in multiple leadership capacities, including President of the New York State Technology and Engineering Educators Association, and President and Newsletter Editor of the New York State Society of Plastics Engineers. He was a founding member of the Empire State STEM Learning Network, along with his good friend, Frank Roma, helping develop the New York State STEM Education Collaborative. He also worked closely with Director, Susan Sherwood, and longtime friend Neil Payne, to help build the Center for Technology and Innovation in Binghamton, NY. While serving on its board with Frank Hughes, formerly Chief of the Space Flight Training Division with the NASA, Chuck and Frank developed a special friendship which led to Chuck’s helping edit Frank’s 2024 book The Great Apollo Train Wreck, a fascinating read.
In recognition of his many contributions, Chuck received more than 40 awards at the state, national, and international levels, including Citizen of Year from the New York State Society of Professional Engineers; New York State Technology Education Teacher of the Year from the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association; a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York State STEM Education Collaborative; and a Distinguished Alumnus Award from SUNY Oswego. Chuck was masterful at inspiring others. He loved teaching and cared deeply about his students, expecting much from them while helping them prove they could succeed. His encouragement was returned to him through abundant gratitude over the years when former students would tell him what a difference he made in their lives. These uplifting moments meant the world to him when he saw the results of his positive influence.
An active and enthusiastic runner most of his life, Chuck channeled his twin passions for teaching and running into coaching. He served as Seton Catholic Central’s Head Coach for Cross-Country and Track and Field for many years, as one of his first team members, Rick Materese can attest, and later as Head Coach for the Girls Varsity Track team at Union-Endicott. Some of his most satisfying encounters came from working with young athletes; seeing them improve, succeed, and excel, and taking that same focused effort and “hustle” into other aspects of their lives.
Since childhood, Chuck loved building things, and wood was his medium of choice. As a prolific woodworker, he wasn't intimidated by complex projects, from home remodeling to unique gifts for family and friends, creating desktop clocks and piggy banks, chess boards and furniture.
Later in life he took an active role in the Antiques Society of Broome County, serving as their President for fourteen years. He was drawn to antiques for their craftsmanship and historical significance, and he particularly treasured items with a family connection. His personal collections include art glass, stamps, civil war memorabilia, wooden duck decoys, and Utica Club Schultz & Dooley beer steins.
His attachment to his boyhood home led to many years of maintaining the family cottage on Goodale Lake in Preble, NY., and the establishment of a close friendship with wonderful neighbors Bob and Debbie Lewis, who shared his love of the lake, wildlife, and in-depth conversations.
In the fall of 1979, Chuck met his one true love and helpmate, Barbara, through a teachers’ bowling league, and they married in the summer of 1980, forming a blended family that included their sons, Chad and Mark. They were married for 45 years. Also an educator, Barbara was very supportive of Chuck’s educational endeavors often acting as a sounding board, and using her artist talents to create the STEM logo, and numerous designs and print materials for programs and conferences which Chuck was managing. In their time together they enjoyed collaboratively remodeling their home, deck, and garden. One of their special shared joys was having their garden featured on a community garden tour. Their love of nature was also reflected in caring for a series of pets, including raising their four resident “clowder of cats”. They also shared an excitement for traveling and exploring and joined good friends Geoff and Jan Strauss in world travels from the USA, to Italy, Greece, and Spain, in Europe, to Australia and New Zealand, on the other side of the planet.
Chuck enjoyed astronomy, music, science fiction, and good conversation. He was a quiet but devoted presence in the lives of those who knew him; a man of integrity, humor, and kindness. Most of all, he cherished his family and took pride and joy in the accomplishments of his sons, the families they each created, and the personalities and talents of his four beloved grandchildren.
Chuck was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Pratt Goodwin, father Arthur Goodwin, sister Susan Gerberich, and brother-in-law William Gerberich. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara Milan Goodwin, sons Chad Goodwin (Erin Rodgers) and Mark Creamer (Bobbie Jo Kelsey), grandchildren Caroline and Sadie Goodwin and Alex and Jonathon Creamer, nieces, nephews, and cousins Bradley Gerberich (Amanda), Beth Gerberich (Darryl), Brian “Tanner” Gerberich (Montana), grand-niece Sophia Gerberich, and sister-in-law Vicki Milan Rosen (Gerry), and a host of dear friends and extended family members, and former students who will remember him with deep affection.
Chuck felt blessed and was extremely grateful for the love and support shown by his family and friends, especially towards the end of his life. Special thanks and love are extended to his sister-in-law, Vicki Rosen, and to dear friends Geoff and Jan Strauss, Gary and Deborah Lockwood, and Phil and Janet Hoffman, and deep appreciation for select Guthrie Lourdes Hospital caregivers: Dr. Christine Fenlon, Danielle in the ICU, and Julia, Brooke, Rachael and Bridgette in Seton 1, and Primary Care, Dr. Susan Choi. Also, many thanks and love to good friends, Deborah Rathfon, Dr. John and Leslie Mattimore, and the Nixon Clan: Laurie, Liz, Allan, and Barbara, for their continued support and advice, and for all the prayers from so many caring and concerned people.
We can remember Chuck with all of the vitality he displayed in his ceaseless efforts to improve the quality of the educational experience of students and improve the condition of everyone around him. He gave of himself with love and devotion to his family and many friends. He was a true gentleman, offering his kindness, sharing his intellect, humor, and drive, and always providing for people he knew as well as those he just met. His passing is not only a tremendous loss to his family and to his friends, but to the world at large.
Chuck, you are well loved and will be deeply missed. Ad astra per aspera.
A memorial service will be held Saturday June 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Union Presbyterian Church of Endicott, 200 East Main Street, Endicott, NY, followed by an on-site reception for family and friends for a Celebration of Chuck’s life. Chuck loved colorful clothing, so no need to wear black.
Calling hours will be Friday June 27, 2025, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, and Saturday June 28, 2025, 11:00 AM - 1:45 PM at the church, followed by the service.
The service will also be live-streamed: www.youtube.com/@unionpresbyterianchurchofe6293
A private burial will take place at the Elmwood Cemetery in Preble, NY at a later date.
If you wish, you can remember Chuck by sending a contribution to the scholarship fund established in his name.
Please make checks payable to: STTEEA, The Chuck Goodwin Memorial Technology Award, and mail to Mr. Marty Wyckoff, c/o Guidance Department, Union-Endicott High School, 1200 East Main Street, Endicott, NY 13760.