Ronald Lee Goodrich, Sr.

Ronald Lee Goodrich, Sr. transitioned from this life on December 26, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on September 30, 1951, to the late Ruby Dinkins and the late John Goodrich Sr. in Portsmouth, VA. Ronald cherished his family and was known for his unwavering dedication to work and his sense of humor.

Ron was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, business partner, and friend. His vibrant personality and warm heart touched many lives through his stories, his laughter, his jokes, and his ability to make friends wherever he went. He would share his life story of overcoming adversities with openness, always ready to share a story or a joke, solicited or unsolicited. Ronald found joy in the company of others.

At 18, Ron was drafted into the Army and served as a mechanic during the Vietnam War era, demonstrating his early dedication and resilience.

Ron's career spanned over five decades, beginning as a field technician in commercial and industrial heating and boiler services. He started and then managed the Boiler Department at McClure Company Mechanical Company, for 35 years, where he was actively employed until his passing. His work involved, in the field (hands on), overseeing the installation, repair, and maintenance of large industrial boiler systems, including managerial and sales responsibilities.

He also generously shared his knowledge as an instructor with Local #520 Union, teaching Boiler Services classes to 5th year apprentices for nearly 20 years. His commitment extended to instructing OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 safety courses and Building Rite Safety Classes. While an instructor with the Local #520, Ron earned an associate's degree from Washtenaw, Ann Arbor, MI.

Early in his career, he experienced a devastating work-related electrocution accident which fueled his passion to give presentations on the importance of safety in the workplace. "Safety A Tool for Life" became the foundation or his compelling national and international safety presentations to stress the importance of avoiding false safety habits but to take proper safety precautions.

Ronald was blessed to have been delivered from stomach cancer diagnosed in 2022. He continued his non-stop journey through life to achieve more of what life offered. Mid-year of 2025, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer he faced it with unwavering determination, he entered yet another battle with determination, strong will, and the desire to do whatever was necessary to overcome this new trial in his life.

Ron wanted to have more time with his wife and family and finally retire-almost, maybe. However, that was not God's plan. This battle was uncompromising and hard-hitting. Ron rededicated his life to Christ and accepted the right-hand-of fellowship to Greater Zion Baptist Church. In a short but agonizing few months, God called Ron home.

Ron was a passionate Philadelphia Eagles fan, through and through. He was also passionate about music and singing. Ronald had a beautiful singing voice and if you knew him, then you must have heard him sing his "one hit wonder" Ronald, 'You Are So Beautiful" a time or two or hundreds more. He enjoyed jazz music and music from the late 60's and 70's, a time when he sang in different bands. It seemed he owned nearly everything from the Ralph Lauren collection in his size.

Ron "branded" a look to wear bow ties during his presentations. The reason for the bow ties symbolized the business where he sustained the traumatic electrocution. This (bow ties) took on a life of its own as the theme of his 70th birthday celebration. He was a collector of cars and rare, and antique clocks. He also enjoyed cooking, grilling and preparing family holiday meals.

In 2016, Ron became a member of the Distinguished Old Men (DOM) social club in Philadelphia. He also had a close network of friends unofficially called the "Crew" in Harrisburg, bonded by a shared love of cigars and the good things in life. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his brother, Shelby Goodrich and grandson, Alijah Goodrich.

Ron leaves to honor his memory his loving wife of 38 years, Anita Goodrich, their 7 shared children: Yohance Goodrich (Natasha) of (Chesapeake, VA), Derek Simpson (Michelle), Donald Simpson, Ronielle Waters, Ronald Goodrich Jr., Austin Goodrich (Melinda Garcia) and Adam Goodrich, all of Harrisburg, PA, brothers, John Goodrich Jr.(Harrisburg) and James Overton (BeNee' Murray-Overton) of Portsmouth VA. Also survived by his 14+ grandchildren 3 great-grandchildren (one on the way). With the blended family there are 34 grandchildren, and 10 great-grands. Many amazing and loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers whom he connected with to call his family, too.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.