William Goodwill

William Charles “Bill” Goodwill, 84, of Fairview, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Saint Vincent Hospital. He was born in Meadville, Pa., on Nov. 10th, 1938, the first child of the late Hugh L. and Dorothy (Bantz) Goodwill. He was also preceded in death by his son, William D. Goodwill, and his brother, Jackie Goodwill.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 30 years, Kathy (Dodsworth) Goodwill. He was the devoted father of Dawn Goodwill and her husband, Rich Forsgren, and the much-loved stepgrandfather of Hannah Forsgren, all of Erie.

Bill is also survived by two sisters, Bonnie (Goodwill) Cray, of Erie and Bradenton, Fla., wife of the late Jack Cray, and Susan L. Goodwill, wife of Robert Ellis, of Waterford, Mich.; his sister-in-law, Sheila (Dodsworth) Cooney of Brooksville, Fla.; and brother-in-law, Bill Dodsworth, of Erie. Also dear to him were his many nieces and nephews; his surviving aunt, Shirley “Bessie” Kohler of Meadville, wife of the late Jack Kohler; as well as many cousins.

Bill grew up in Erie and Meadville and was a lifelong resident of the Erie area. He attended Academy High School, where he played the saxophone and traveled with the marching band to Pasadena, Calif., where he marched in the Rose Bowl Parade. After graduating high school in 1956, he attended the University of Denver in Colorado.

Bill enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1957, completed bootcamp training at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and bravely served overseas in the 1958 Lebanon crisis.

After working briefly for his father’s company, Goodwill Builders, Bill found his passion and true calling: selling cars and managing dealerships. He loved automobiles of all kinds, first selling cars at Pete Oatess Ford. He moved on to Roth Cadillac in 1975, starting as a salesman. He was then promoted by the Roth family to general sales manager and vice president and was ultimately named general manager of the Roth Cadillac dealership. In later years, he stayed active in the business, working at John Fries Auto and Tropical Motors. Over his 50-plus-year career, he was respected in the industry, mentoring, and influencing many.

Bill was a vibrant octogenarian, working out daily until he experienced a sudden illness a few weeks ago. He enjoyed playing golf with his wife, Kathy, at courses throughout the Erie area, catching sunsets at the Walnut Creek Access Area, boating and other leisure activities with his family.

Bill and his daughter, Dawn, had a special bond. They spoke nearly every day and enjoyed afternoon visits over McDonald’s coffee. Always on their schedule – same time and table – a weekly lunch date at the Oakwood Café.

Bill was one of the most reliable and dependable people you’d ever meet. Many will miss his smile and positive, upbeat attitude.

Friends and family are invited to call at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge, 3801 W. 26th St., on Friday, Dec. 2, from 1 to 5 p.m. and are invited to stay for a funeral service immediately following.

For memorial contributions, pay it forward in memory of Bill and buy someone a cup of coffee the next time you’re at a restaurant, then smile and think of him. Donations may also be made to Hope on Horseback, 10370 Barton Road, Waterford, PA 16441.