John A. Goodwin

Dover - John A. Goodwin, 95, longtime resident of Lowell and Chelmsford, MA, died June 14, 2012 in Dover, NH. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Catherine (Hill) Goodwin, one year before. Born in Lowell, MA to William B. Goodwin and Elizabeth Abbott Goodwin, John married his “Cassie” in 1943. He was WWII veteran. After receiving his degrees in Textile Engineering at Lowell Textile Institute, he taught there [UMass, Lowell] until his retirement as Professor in 1980.

He was a lifelong member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and, since 1960, summers at St. Peters by-the-Sea, Cape Neddick, ME—both of which he served in many capacities, including many years as Treasurer.

John had many interests—history, music, pipe organs, textiles, railroads, photography—and participated in many related activities. He was active in the Lowell Council of Boy Scouts of America and Scottish Rite Masons (32nd degree) until very old age. He served on boards, committees and as president of many local charitable organizations: Lowell Art Association, Lowell Historical Society, Lowell Museum, Boston & Maine RR Historical Society, among them. He served as National Secretary to the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society for 20 years. He was an advisor to the American Textile History Museum. He had played/tuned over 20 different pipe organs in Lowell’s churches.

Survivors are three children: Elizabeth Long (Robert) of Lisle, IL, William Goodwin (Meredith) of Whitehouse Station, NJ, and Jean Demetracopoulos (John) of S. Berwick, ME; seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by daughter Catherine Ruth Goodwin.

Funeral will be 2:00 pm Friday, July 27, 2012 at St. Peters By-the-Sea, 535 Shore Rd. [Bald Head], Cape Neddick, ME and reception following at the neighboring rectory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Seashore Trolley Museum, Post Office Box A, Kennebunkport, ME 04046 or Memorial Garden Fund, St. Peters By-the-Sea, P. O. Box 693, Cape Neddick, ME 03902.

Please go to www.taskerfh.com to sign the on-line guest book.