Charles E. Goodale

CLINTON - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Charles E. Goodale, on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at his home at Corcoran House in Clinton, MA. He was a little more than 3 weeks shy of his 93rd birthday. Although we will miss him immensely, we are comforted in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved wife, Joan A. (Spellman) Goodale, who predeceased him in August, 2020. We believe that he planned to surprise Joan by arriving just one day before what would have been their 72nd anniversary.

Charles was born in Worcester, on February 3, 1932, and was the youngest child of Aaron Goodale and Velma (Smith) Goodale. Charles will be lovingly and sorely missed by his daughter, Lynda G. Shusta and her husband Andrew of West Boylston; his two sons, Steven C. Goodale and his wife, Lynda of Little River, SC and David R. Goodale and his wife, Elizabeth of Clinton. His memory will also be treasured by his seven dearly loved and cherished grandchildren, Dana and Amanda, Janna and Stacie, and Jocelyn, Erika, and Laura, as well as his six great-grandchildren.

Charles grew up in West Boylston and graduated from Major Edwards HS. He Served in the US Navy on the USS Hornet and sailed around the world. Charles worked for a number of years at United Structual Steel Company in Worcester and Auburn and then worked briefly at Norton Company. He retired from his position as head custodian at West Boylston Jr./Sr. HS in 1994 and then worked as a driver for Wagner Motors in Shrewsbury for more than 20 years.

Joan and Charles lived in Sterling for 65 years and raised their 3 children in the home that they had built, on the street that they named, Hilltop Drive. Charles kept busy through the years supporting his family with many a part-time job and he was a dedicated volunteer fireman in Sterling for 25 years. Creations from his days of working with steel could be found around his well-manicured and maintained yard and in his home.

Charles was a dedicated, devoted husband and he and Joan had countless great adventures together. All of these memories brought him great comfort, tears and laughter, since losing the woman that he loved with all of his heart. Charles was a constant caring and compassionate caregiver to Joan in her final years and his fierce devotion to her was both heartfelt and admirable.

Charles was known to have his garage door open quite often through the years and welcomed anyone interested in having a conversation. He was quick to share many colorful stories from his life and was particularly fond of reminiscing about growing up in West Boylston, a town which holds many eventful memories and deep family history. Charles may not have been able to remember your name, but he could always tell you where you lived or what kind of car your drove. His life was dedicated to caring for his family and taking care of his home and yard, which he continued to do long after moving to a new location 2 ½ years ago.

The family would especially like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Lauri Toohey, NP, for always being there for everything, to Erin Thompson, RN, Kristina, June, and ALL of those from Home, Health, and Hospice for Charlie's quality and end of life care, and to Samantha and her Group for their love and devotion to Charlie over the last 5+ months.
Charlie's family would also like to give a most wholehearted "Thank You" to ALL of the caregivers and dedicated staff at Corcoran House in Clinton for the help, kindness, and compassion that was given to Charlie and the entire family throughout the last 2 ½ years of his life.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather to share their condolences with Charlie's family on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 11AM-Noon at Miles-Sterling Funeral Home, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling. Services for a celebration of life will follow at noon, at the funeral home.

Flowers are to be omitted. Donations in Charles's honor may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 USA / donors@stjude.org