Jeffrey A. Goodwin, age 72, passed away May 10, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born in October 18, 1944 in Plainfield, NJ, completed high school in Needham, MA and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. In 1967, he moved to Akron, OH, taking a position as a research chemist at Goodyear Tire and Rubber, eventually moving up to the position of Project Leader in the Advanced Process Research Section. His entire career focus was in chemical process research, development, process trouble-shooting, optimization and analytical methodology.
During his career at Goodyear, was responsible for the successful chemical plant implementation of six R & D proprietary technologies from their conceptual stages through commercialization, obtaining actual in-plant experience. His teams' efforts resulted in large annual monetary savings for Goodyear in productivity, efficiency, quality improvements and energy savings. He received special commendations from Goodyear for this work, and was also awarded two U.S. Patents.
Jeffrey was also passionate about the arts, becoming involved in music at an early age, playing the double bass. He played in high school ensembles in Needham and began taking private lessons on the double bass from then Boston Symphony Orchestra Principal Bassist Henry Portnoi. As a member of the Boston Symphony Youth Orchestra, he was privileged to join that group in a performance at The White House in Washington, D.C. During his time of study at Lehigh University, Jeff performed in the Pops Orchestra.
When Jeff moved to Akron, he auditioned for and was accepted as part of the Akron Symphony bass section and later also performed regularly with the Ashland Symphony and Tuscarawas Philharmonic, as well as with chamber groups. He was a regular season subscriber to The Cleveland Orchestra, enjoying many performances at Severance Hall in Cleveland and at The Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, the Summer Home of the orchestra. Jeffrey was also a devoted opera lover.
He was a collector of pottery and contemporary paintings, and a photographer in his own right, with many large scenic photographs adorning the walls of his home. He designed and built his first home, enjoyed gardening and was a past member of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Bike Patrol. Jeff loved life and especially time with his family and friends.
His surviving family includes his son, Gregory of Akron, OH; brother, Willard W. Goodwin (Barbara Summers) of Dublin, NH; sister, Barbara Lieberman (Walter) of Allentown, PA and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on SATURDAY, June 3rd at 2:00 PM at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Visiting Hours will be from 1:00-2:00 PM, SATURDAY prior to the Memorial Service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations made to one's charity of choice would be deeply appreciated. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)