Obituary: John T. Goodwin
John T. Goodwin, 79, Dies After Long Life of Service and Community Involvement
Westbrook, Maine – John T. Goodwin, a longtime resident of Westbrook and a veteran of the United States Air Force, died at Mercy Hospital on September 4, 2026. The 79‑year‑old was born in Portland, Maine, on October 5, 1946, to William L. Goodwin Sr. and Lois E. Goodwin.
Goodwin graduated from Portland High School in 1964 and enlisted in the Air Force shortly thereafter. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant and was stationed at Bien Hoa Air Base in South Vietnam in June 1968, where he completed his final deployment before being honorably discharged. After leaving the military, he returned to Portland and earned an associate’s degree in business from the University of Southern Maine.
He went on to a career in purchasing and sales management, working for several Portland‑area companies, including Chapman Corp., Electro‑Static Technology, and Illinois Tool Works. Goodwin retired from Illinois Tool Works in 2009 after more than three decades of service.
He is survived by his son, Andrew L. Goodwin, and his partner, Shirley A. Smith Blodgett. Goodwin was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Gretchen E. Anderson, and several siblings – Richard Harris Sr., B. Irene Harris, William L. Goodwin Jr., Elizabeth Goodwin Wilson, Robert C. Goodwin, Margaret R. Goodwin, Estelle Goodwin Backus, and Alice M. Goodwin.
In accordance with his wishes, a private graveside service with military honors will be held for the former airman, honoring his dedication to country and community.
