William (Bill) Ernest Goodwin, 73, of Pawcatuck, husband of Beth (Valenti) Goodwin passed away on June 18, 2026 with his family by his side. Bill was born in Edenton, North Carolina on April 21, 1953, son of the late Robert and Thelma (Langdale) Goodwin. He grew up in Elizabeth City, Noth Carolina where he played football and baseball from a young age all the way into college. He graduated from Northeastern High School as class president in 1971.
After graduation, Bill continued his education at the United States Coast Guard Academy earning his degree in engineering and graduated in 1975. Over the next 5 years, his service in the Coast Guard took him to New Hampshire, Boston, and San Francisco.
After Bill’s time in the Coast Guard, he returned to Mystic, Connecticut to raise his family. He supported his children in their various sporting events as their coach, fan, and biggest cheerleader. He worked at the Valenti Family dealerships in many capacities until his retirement in April 2024 from Valenti Toyota where he had been General Manager since its start up in 1997.
Besides his work, Bill volunteered in the community with many non-profit organizations including the Johnny Cake Center, Relay for Life, Stonington Food Pantry, Goodies Run, Westerly VFW, and the Link in the Chain program at the Coast Guard Academy.
In addition to his wife Beth, he is survived by his 5 children, Michelle (Marty) Napier, Jeffrey Goodwin, Eric (Tracey) Goodwin, Greg (Shana) Goodwin, and Kimberly (Ryan) Spagnuolo. His 12 grandchildren Kira, Mackenzie, and Cameron Napier, Roman and Harlow Goodwin, Emma and Jack Goodwin, Graham and Hudson Goodwin, and Madison, Hailey, and Sophia Spagnuolo. His brothers Robert (Ann) Goodwin and Thomas (Dorothy) Goodwin and many nieces, nephews, cousins and his faithful dog Toby. Bill’s greatest love was spending time with his family and large family gatherings.
Bill’s family will receive relatives and friends at the Dinoto Funeral Home 17 Pearl Street, Mystic on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 4-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Smilow Cancer Center, the USCGA Alumni Association, or any of the organizations that Bill volunteered for.