William Eugene Goodson Sr
Willie was the 3rd oldest Son
Married to Alice Dogostiano-goodson 

Rosalind is the youngest of the Goodson siblings, and from everything I’ve heard and witnessed, she and my father shared a bond of deep love, respect, and admiration. Whenever I sought my dad’s advice—on anything other than boyfriends (smiles)—his response was always the same: "Ask your Aunt Rosalind." He made it clear that she was my go-to, reinforcing the trust and wisdom he saw in her.

Somehow, my dad always had a way of guiding me in the right direction, even when I resisted. When I was on the verge of dropping out of high school, he refused to let that happen. With a little plotting and persuasion (or as I like to think, gentle coercion), he convinced my oldest sister, Pamela, to have me move to Chicago with her. At the time, she was pursuing her Ph.D. in law at DePaul University, and in hindsight, I see how it was the perfect environment for me—surrounded by ambition, discipline, and the expectation to succeed. That experience changed everything.

Aunt Rosalind, you have always been a pillar of wisdom in our family, and I can see why Dad had so much faith in you. Thank you for being such an important part of our family's legacy.

The photo below captures a moment from my 8th-year graduation. At the time, I was on the verge of dropping out of high school, heading down the wrong path. But my dad? He refused to let that happen.

He pushed and pushed, leaving no stone unturned until I got back on track. In the Goodson family, not having a degree—at least to some degree (see what I did there? 😆)—is practically unheard of. My dad, who was on disability, knew his children could receive benefits as long as they were in school. So, with the help of my sister Pamela Jean, he plotted, schemed, and yes—bribed me—into finishing my education.

That’s how I ended up in Chicago, living with Pam. She introduced me to her friends, spoiled me (at my dad’s direction, of course), and made sure I stayed the course. And it worked. I earned my high school diploma, returned to New York with a new attitude, and developed a passion for learning and building a career. I no longer needed the bribes—but hey, I’m a Goodson. I still cashed those checks every month while earning additional degrees in technology, business, and entrepreneurship—staying in school and eventually achieving six-figure success in my endeavors. 

Dad, thank you for doing whatever it took to keep me from graduating from "Sidewalk University"—a path I could have easily taken if not for you.

I've even passed down your military bed-making skills to your granddaughters, who take great pride in keeping those corners tucked tight—just as you taught me. 💝

I could go on and on… but for now, I’ll just sit with this photo, wiping away the blur from my teary eyes, and cherish the way your beautiful eyes look up at me.

Gone too soon. Always missing you & all the rest of best no longer in my life. 💙 [William Eugene Goodson - Obituary]