BORN

1913

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Green Funeral Home - Danbury

57 Main St

Danbury, Connecticut

Robert Goodfellow Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 2, 2013.

Robert R. Goodfellow died peacefully on April 1, 2013 at the Glen Crest facility in Danbury. Bob was born in Bridgeport on January 28, 1913, a son of the late Edward and Carolyn Ringli Goodfellow and was 100 years old. In 1942 Bob moved to Brookfield and has been a resident of the area for over 70 years. During that time he became lovingly known as "Pops" to all who knew him.

Together with Harry Ashmore he co-founded the Goodfellow Ashmore Real Estate and Insurance Agency in 1934. Bob was considered a pioneer in the commercial real estate business in Connecticut and was one of the first members of the Society of Office and Industrial Realtors (SIOR) in the state. In 1990, Bob proudly handed over the control of his business to his grandson Todd Payne, which today includes Goodfellow Ashmore and ERA Goodfellow Homes. Bob was responsible for the relocation of numerous new businesses to the Danbury area such as Davis and Geck, Barden, and Eagle Pencil. He was also a mentor and role model for an entire generation of the real estate industry in greater Danbury.

Always a believer in community and giving back, Bob was the first president of the Danbury Kiwanis Club and a co-founder and first Chairman of the Regional YMCA. He also served on multiple boards including the Danbury Hospital, Danbury Library and Danbury Chamber of Commerce. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Jesters and Eastern Star.

He played golf at the Ridgewood CC where he was a member for over 60 years and served on the board of directors. He played often with his good friends Nat Talarico and Norby Mitchell and they became known as the "sundowners" – a Ryder Cup tournament is played in their honor every year.

Bob attended Central High School in Bridgeport where he was an outstanding football player. It was in high school where Bob met his future bride of 55 years Bernice. Bernice predeceased Bob in 1987.

Bob is survived by his daughter Denice Payne and her husband Bobby of Brookfield, CT. Grandson Todd Payne and his wife, Heather, of Bridgewater, CT, granddaughter Megan Mancuso of Danbury, CT and great grandchildren Faith Mancuso, Amanda Payne and Erica Payne. His sister-in-law, Alice Goodfellow of Fairfield , his caregiver Antoinette Ayala and several nieces and nephews also survive. Bob was predeceased by his siblings: Norman Goodfellow, Kenneth Goodfellow and Marjorie Alves.

Funeral Services will be conducted Friday at 11am at St. Paul Church, 174 Whisconier Rd., Brookfield with the Rev. Joseph Shepley, Rector, officiating. Burial will follow in Lands End Cemetery, Hawleyville, CT. Friends will be received on Thursday from 5pm to 7pm at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob's memory may be made to the Regional YMCA of Western CT, 2 Huckleberry Hill Rd., Brookfield, CT 06804 or go to www.regionalymca.org. For further information or to express condolences on line, go to www.thegreenfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

April 25, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the family.I worked as Mr Goodfellow housekeeper & enjoyed all the time I spent with him.Another great person has passed thru my life.

April 8, 2013

Dear Denny, Bobby, Todd, Megan and all family members,
We are so sad to here about "Pops". His warm smile and gentleness will always be remembered. Cherish the memories, hold on to the happiness he brought to you all and we hope your hearts mend with peace. Sincerely, Jim and Jamie O'Toole

April 6, 2013

Geoffrey Paul

A gentleman, a quiet elegance and a sense of humor. Pops, you had all of these things and more. And you left all of these qualities in your children, grandchildren and great grand children. Yours is a legeacy that lives on in many generations. I was lucky to have known you and enjoyed the time spent with you and your family. As a starving college student, i relished the meals you invited me to at Beef & Bottle with Todd and our other friends. I remember my visits to your home and also when you visited Los Angeles. You were very proud of your family and loved everyone that they loved, unconditionally. Thank you for those memories and for your kindness. Rest in Peace.

April 6, 2013

What a sad day for all of you. My heart goes out to you. Bob was the most wonderful man and a consummate gentleman. His kindness and warmth to me will always be remembered. All my love, Sara Ransick

April 6, 2013

Dear Denny and Bobby,
The funeral service for your dad was very heartfelt. Your family did a wonderful job in all the parts they shared. Your dad would have been very proud of them all as we know you were!
Love, Lorna and Ray

April 4, 2013

John and Cheryl Alves

My Uncle Bob was a loving, caring man. His hugs were legendary. His embrace would include "I love you so much," as he squeezed you tighter. It was like that--always.

As a young boy while staying with Uncle Bob and Aunt Bern, the phone rang. A house was on fire in the newly developed Brookfield area. Uncle Bob donned his gear and ran out to meet the fire truck. He was a volunteer fireman, you see.

Of course, I thought that being a fireman was way cool, but as year's passed, I realized that the "volunteer" part of the job was the significant part. My Uncle Bob understood that building a family or a community required commitment, dedication and sacrifice.

I now realize that the same hugs that I so warmly received were shared with many--there was no limit to his love.

We are all made better by our memory of him.

Aloha pumehana, Uncle Bob.

April 4, 2013

Naomi & Jules Sanna

TO Members of the Payne Family, Bob Godfellow will always be remembered by his most cheerful HELLO, his genuine concern, a soft spoken Gentleman, leaving us with very fond memories.

April 4, 2013

B Tolle

Pops practiced courage and doing everything the right way because that is the person he is. Shortly after meeting Pops for the first time only 10 short years ago I came across this quotation that describes just one of the many qualities that makes him the great man and example he is for so many.

Courage is not simply one of the values, but the form of every value at the testing point" C.S. Lewis

April 3, 2013

Denny, Bob and Family,
Bob was the Grandfather of all gentleman. The absolute real estate professional recognized by his peers. When I think back to when the sundowners were pinging for drinks and the enjoyment they spread to everyone they came in contact. Bob will not be forgotten as he left he mark on everyone he associated.
May he rest in peace.

Charles & Carolyn Troccolo
Boca Raton, Florida

April 3, 2013

Bob & Deb Geambazi

Dear Denny, Bobby and family, condolences.
We will all miss Mr Goodfellow!A true gentleman who was loved by all.
We often dicussed Bridgeport , Central High School and his early Ridgewood CC days.
May he RIP and deepest sympathies to your entire family.

April 3, 2013

Randy Vidal

Todd, As you may know back in 1968 I started a fledgling business. Pops or as I then addressed him as Mr. Goodfellow became my mentor. Sharing all his expertise and support. I attribute much of our company success directly to Pops advise and support. Years later we shared the fellowship as Masons, Shriners and Jesters. I will forever be in his debt. I will miss him. One of the last of "The Greatest Generation'. Our prayers and best wishes to you and your family. Randy Vidal

April 3, 2013

As a teenager I remember many wonderful Saturday afternoons caddying for the "Sundowners" and listening to them kid each other. It was also a great education being with all these fine men. My sympathies to all of Bob's family. Bob Brunetti

April 3, 2013

Dear Denny, Bobby and family,
Our thoughts are with you as your dad,
grandad, great grandad left you with many amazing memories.
Connie and Sandy Kaufman

April 3, 2013

Someone as special as "Bob" will never be forgotten.
He will remain in our hearts forever.
We hope he finds his rightful place in heaven.
With our deepest condolences.

The Filippakos Family
Nick, Peter& Steve
Mykonos Restaurant

April 3, 2013

hugh burrell

Dear Denny,Bobby and Family--My deepest sympathies on the loss of your father.He was a true gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Hugh Burrell and Family

April 3, 2013

pat fusco

Dear Pops,
You are going to be missed so much by loving friends and family. Help us all to endure the pain of losing you by some funny memories or a light breeze that reminds us of you on the golf course or some unplanned trip to JK's for lunch. You left a legacy that is unmatched. May we all live up to your work ethic, dedication to community and caring for others less fortunate than us in the most humble and adorable way that you did it. God Bless and Rest in Peace.

April 3, 2013

jay morrow

DEAR DENNY ,BOBBY AND FAMILY ,WHERE DOES ONE START,A GOOD PLACE WOULD BE TO THE GUY WHO GAVE ME MINE,BOB AND HARRY TREATED ME WELL AND ALTHOUGH WE BECAME COMPETITORS WE ALWAYS REMAINED FRIENDS,BOB WAS A REAL GENTLEMAN I CAN'T REMEMBER A BAD WORD ABOUT ANYONE,YOU GUYS PLEASE ACCEPT MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES FROM MAE AND I,SICERELY ,JAY [bird]

April 3, 2013

Curtis Goodfellow

This is my Uncle Bob, the last of my uncles. I was invited to spend many summers with him, my Aunt Bern and my Cousin Denny, so many wonderful memories. I remember when he comforted me when Grandpa Goodfellow died. I was blessed again to have talked to him on his 100th birthday. I will miss knowing he is here, but I know where to get in touch with.

Posted by Curtis Goodfellow

April 3, 2013

Marilynn Vannucci

Dear Denny and Bobby and family,

Joe and I send our heartfelt sympathy with the loss of such a wonderful man who was such a part of Danbury history. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

April 3, 2013

james leonard

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it's the memories of you that are the most precious.

By Lamaretta Simmons

April 3, 2013

Barbara Anzellotti

Rest in peace, Mr. G. I'll always cherish the memories of the time we spent together.

April 2, 2013

Heather Payne

Dear Pops, you will be greatly missed by so many. You were a wonderful role model to all. Our hearts are broken without you here. May all your endearing qualities live on in your grand children and great grand children. I was blessed to have known you.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

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