Paul Robert Goodchild, Sr. age 87, of Elkton, MD, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 21, 2017. Born in Chateaugay, NY on April 13, 1930, he was the son of the late Frank and Charlotte “Lottie” (Pudvah) Goodchild.

Paul and his family moved to Delaware in 1936. He served in the United States Army from 1951-1953. Paul worked as an iron worker, was a member of the Iron Workers Union and helped to build both the Chesapeake and Delaware Memorial Bridges. In 1964, Paul started his towing company in Newark, DE. He towed for the Newark Police Department, New Castle County Police Department and the Delaware State Police. Goodchild, Inc. became an official corporation in 1967, which has since been in business for 54 years. “Goodchild, Inc. was a family affair and you didn’t have to be blood related to be considered family. Paul extended a helping hand to anyone in need. He had close association with the police officers and fireman, many of them becoming friends. The garage was a place to get your vehicle fixed, get a tow, a used part, or a good conversation. There was always cold beer in the fridge.”

Paul was very involved with the community. He was a member of Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder since 1964, Commander of the Newark VFW, Post 475, from 1965-1967, Treasurer and Founding member of the Delaware Towing Association, member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and became a 32nd degree Mason. Paul was well known for his special crab soup recipe. He also will be remembered as an animal lover; owning many beloved dogs and once housing 50 cats at the garage where he made them a cat house out of an old trailer. Outside of his hard work and dedication to his family, friends and community, Paul loved to have a good time. He greatly enjoyed old time country music, loved dancing and was especially good at Polka dancing, and was very fond of his Black and Mild Cigars, scotch and cold beer. His daughter has quoted, “Paul Goodchild has taken care of his family, community and his friends. Never one to turn down a good time, there are legendary stories about Paul’s escapades but that only endears him to everyone who knows him. He has always worked as hard as he played and I wouldn’t change a thing about him. I’m proud to call him Dad.”

Paul is survived by his children: Paul R. Goodchild, Jr. and his fiancé, Jane, Ronald L. Goodchild and his fiancé, Debbie, Paula H. Newton and her husband, Ralph, Donald Wingo and his wife, Carol, and Terry Wingo and his wife, Sharon; companion, Helen M. Long; special friends: Barry and Beth Beale, Jim and Barbara Mackenzie, and Nancy Kelley; 16 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Lillian “Pat” Goodchild; sons: James and Dale Wingo; and siblings: Francis M. Goodchild, Marion Santamore, Mary LaBarge, and Blanche Cromp.

The family would like to send special thanks to the staff of Seasons Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.

A visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder, 410 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19711. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 11:30am on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder, with a visitation beginning at 10:30am. Burial will follow the service at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to “Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder” or “House of Hope” and sent in care of the funeral home, R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 259 E. Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921.