Eric Eugene Goodale, 78, of Carmel, Maine, died peacefully on April 25th, 2021 after a prolonged battle with heart and lung disease.

Eric was born on June 9, 1942 to Lawrence and Virginia (Wight) Goodale in Buffalo, New York. He is survived by his wife Marta, son Jeffrey Goodale and wife Audrey, daughter Ruth Lyman and husband Matthew of Danvers, Massachusetts, three sisters, Martha Goodale of Westbrook, Maine, Deborah Cole, of Pittsford, New York, and Teresa Goodale and wife Linda Roemer, of Peabody, Massachusetts.  He was a loving uncle to Jack, Matt, Liz and their spouses, Sarah and Kaylee.  Eric was also a devoted grandfather to Erin, Emily, Elizabeth, Abby, Claire, Elgie (deceased) and Desiree, in addition to several great-grandchildren, great-nieces and nephews.  

In 1959, Eric was selected to be an AFS student to spend the summer with a family in Finland.  This experience cemented his interest in the world as one community and the importance of understanding other cultures and people.  It was also the beginning of a family relationship spanning 60 years and four generations.  After graduating from Hannibal High School in 1960, he went on to receive his BA in Government and Political Science from St.Lawrence University in 1964.

After graduation, Eric spent three transformative years in Nigeria volunteering for the Peace Corps.  There, his work in community development led him to his career in social work, first at People’s Opportunity, a New York State anti-poverty program, and later at West Seneca Developmental center, working with handicapped adults for 11 years. 

What many will remember most were Eric’s renowned skills in the kitchen.  He was a self taught baker and chef.  In 1984, he decided to follow his true passion; cooking, as a profession.  He honed his skills by working at several restaurants until he found the courage and wherewithal to open his own cafe in Oswego, New York, “Feastivities”.  Eric was the sole proprietor and primary cook for just under 4 years. Feastivities, though small and tightly funded and staffed, built a loyal following for it’s delicious homemade breads, soups, entrees and desserts, unique at the time in Oswego.  Of course, his family will never forget the spectacular holiday spreads that he prepared with love.  

Eric met his dear wife, Marta (Lamanna) in 1971 through a mutual love of music.  Both were well versed in opera, classical, jazz and pop and loved to sing as well as listen together throughout their 48+ years of marriage.  Eric was unendingly proud and supportive of his entire family, always wanting them to succeed and giving them kind prompting in his gentle way.

Among the many things that Eric should be remembered for was his pacifism.  Unapologetically, he opposed all war and was a conscientious objector to the Vietnam war.  His wish for a more peaceful world was brought to life by his involvement in many organizations, including (but not limited to) the Peace Corps, Bangor Peace and Justice, J Street, AFS and many others.  Eric donated his time, baked goods and money to many political causes, human rights groups, and environmental action.  A staunch liberal, Eric was a total newshound, always up for a lively conversation surrounding current events.  He was a champion for the underrepresented, the unheard and the planet.  

Eric was also a passionate gardener who loved watching things grow (or not grow), always experimenting with different combinations and placements of plants.  He had a love of the outdoors and just tinkering on his land.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to any of the following: Simpson Memorial Library (Carmel, Maine), Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine (Donate — Peace & Justice Center of Eastern Maine (peacectr.org), JStreet.org (Donate to J Street | J Street). There will be no funeral.  

“Do not fear death so much, but rather the inadequate life.” -Bertolt Brecht