Columbus, OH — David R. Goodrich, 88, of the Patent Road, Peru, N.Y., died Oct. 23, 2024, at the UVM Health Network – CVPH, Plattsburgh, with his loving family by his side.
He was born in Walton, N.Y., on Oct. 7, 1936, the son of Arthur and Mildred (Schloss).
Mr. Goodrich graduated from Johnstown (NY) High School, class of 1954. He attended college for three years, after which he moved to New York City and worked for American Express for five years helping them set up their credit card division and as a tour guide up and down the eastern seaboard. He then spent a year fundraising with the NYC Salvation Army. That is when he moved to the far North Country with State Bank of Albany and met Melissa. They courted for about six months before marrying on Aug. 6, 1966.
He worked for Melissa’s father as an assistant mechanic for two years and then in 1968 went to work for NYSDOC, retiring in January 1999.
Meanwhile, in 1974 they opened a Standardbred breeding/racing stable; he said he wanted to retire doing that. In the fall of 1998 they bought a yearling named Star Of Paradise that became a successful Open pacer.
Mr. Goodrich trained several other horses during that time as he enjoyed making new friends and helping others to do the same. When his daughter, Mary Aliss, became a trainer it became a family affair, making for lots of happy memories.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Melissa; children, Mary Aliss, former son-in-law, Mike Gast and son, David; niece, Donna Catandella; and nephews, Ed Dufel and John Dufel and their children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur; and sister, Reva Dufel.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday (Oct. 28) from 4-6 p.m. at Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday (Oct. 29) at 11 a.m. in the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel at 294 Mannix Road, Peru. Pastor Nina Dickenson will preside.
Memorial contributions may be made to SPCA, Telegraph Road, Peru, NY 12972 or the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, 42 Arneytown/Hornerstown Rd., Cream Ridge, NJ 08514.