Michael R. Goodwin

Michael R. Goodwin, 86, of Amherst, NH and formerly of Nashua, passed away Friday afternoon, April 17, 2026, after a declining period of health, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, kindness, and deep intellect. Michael was the husband of the late Rita (Raissis) Goodwin, who recently passed away on March 10th, 2026. Born in Manchester, New Hampshire on January 9, 1940, he was a son of the late Ralph and Alice Rita (Plowright) Goodwin. Michael grew up in Manchester and was a graduate of Central High School Class of 1957. He furthered his education at St. Anselm’s College graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1962. An Army veteran, Michael, served from June 1963 to June 1965 and held the rank of Specialist 4. Where he received a Good Conduct Medal. He later worked at Nashua Corporation, where he met the love of his life, Rita Goodwin, whom he married in 1969 and shared 57 beautiful years together.

A gentle and soft-spoken man, Michael was known for his calm presence and kind heart. Though quiet by nature, his warmth was deeply felt by those who knew him. He possessed a brilliant mind and a lifelong love of learning. A member of Mensa, he had a natural gift for problem-solving and strategy, which was reflected in his passion for chess, where he excelled at a professional level.

He found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. He was an avid bowler, a lover of Irish music and The Beatles, he loved to sing and he performed in a few musicals with his daughter Jennifer. He was someone who appreciated both the intellectual and the artistic sides of life. Raised in the Catholic faith, he later embraced Buddhism in his 40s, reflecting his thoughtful and introspective nature.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Courville of Nashua for the care, kindness, and support they provided to Michael over the past several years.

Above all, Michael will be remembered as a sweet, gentle soul–deeply intelligent, quietly talented, and endlessly kind. His presence brought comfort and steadiness, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Members of his family include ten children, Michael P. Goodwin of Nashua, Jennifer Fichera and her husband Jim, Linda Munn and her husband Steven, Suzan Small and Al Halle, Craig Small and his wife Sherry, the late Mark R. Goodwin and his wife Wendy, the late Michele D. Griffin and her husband Michael, Marsha Hill and her husband Richard, Garth Goodwin and his wife Wendy, Cody Goodwin; fifteen grandchildren, Athena Kochilaris, Kazimiera Fichera, Autumn Fichera, Alexis Small, Austin Small, Jessica Sist and her husband Dan, Shana Balutis, Timothy Goodwin, Elizabeth Griffin, Courtney Griffin, Evan Griffin, Jordan Hill, Drew Hill, Xavier Goodwin and Samuel Goodwin; five great-grandchildren, Gracie Sist, Nicholas Sist,

and his sisters, Maryanne Pelczar and her husband David, the late, Ruth A. Broderick and the late Marjorie Cronin; also nieces and nephews. His family will receive relatives and friends at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Monday, May 18th from 10 to 11:30 a.m. followed by his funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Michael will be laid to rest in the mausoleum of Woodlawn Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com