Joseph E. Goodness

Joseph E. Goodness Jr., 70 years old of Sanford, ME, died Friday, June 15, 2007 surrounded by his family at the Greenwood Center in Sanford.Joe was born on March 29, 1937 in Skowhegan, ME. He was the son of the late Joseph Sr. and Florence Morin Goodness.Joe attended school in Skowhegan until his family moved from there to Springvale in 1947. He then attended schools in both Springvale and Sanford until he graduated from Sanford High School in 1955 with highest honors. While in high school, Joe won various science awards, and eventually received a scholarship to Colby College. He also wrote and took photos for the school paper and yearbook, and participated in several drama productions.Following high school Joe continued his education at Colby College, Nasson College, Temple University, and Union College, from which he was awarded his Masters Degree in Geology. Over the years Joe was also awarded several grants to study in various areas of the sciences. Over all though Joe was a teacher.Joe began his teaching career as a Graduate Assistant at Temple University in Philadelphia, but soon moved back to his "home" in Sanford and began a stellar teaching career as a science teacher at Sanford High School that spanned 33 years from 1962 to 1995. Even after his retirement in 1995, Joe substitute taught for another 5 years. Joe was a lifelong Grange member and was Past Master of both Riverside Grange # 475 and the York Pomona Grange # 14, and Past Deputy and Executive Committee member of the Maine State Grange. He was a member of the Sanford, and York County Teacher Associations, and a former officer of the Maine State Guard. He was former Director of the Sanford Emergency Management Agency. Joe was also instrumental in the growth of the York County Federal Credit Union from a small teacher's credit union to a public credit union. His service on the Board of directors, and Treasurer of the Board has been greatly appreciated.Even while volunteering so much time for others, Joe remembered those who where dearest to him. He loved to travel with his wife Lorraine--especially to Maritime Canada, where he made many friends. He made every effort to attend each of his grandchildren's sporting events and school activities. He loved to visit with family, and share their friendship with others. He was an active and practicing Catholic that loved his church, and his zest for life, and drive to make this world a better place will not be forgotten.Surviving Joe is his wife of 45 years Lorraine Bouffard Goodness of Sanford, a daughter Melissa Baldwin of Westbrook, a son Joel Goodness and his wife Rachel of Windham, grandsons Jacob, Benjamin, and Noah, a sister Judith Farrell of Sanford; two brothers, Francis of Winter Haven, FL and Gerald of Springvale, and several nieces and nephews.A period of visitation will be held this Tuesday, June 19, 2007 from 4 to 7 PM at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black funeral Home, 29 Winter St. Sanford, ME. An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday the 20th at Holy Family Church, St. Therese Parish of Sanford, ME.In lieu of flowers the Goodness family suggests memorial donations be made to the York County Retired Educators Association Scholarship Fund, c/o Carol Mitchell, 48 Clark Rd., Alfred, ME 04002. Services for the Goodness family have been arranged through the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home of Sanford.To leave the family a message of condolence please use the "condolences" tab to the left.