Joseph E. Goodrich Jr., affectionately known as Bear, Joe, or Jody, transitioned on April 15, 2025.
Born on July 24, 1941, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Joseph was the third child and eldest son of the late Joseph E. Goodrich Sr. and Lelia H. Goodrich. He began his education in the Portsmouth Public School System and proudly graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in the Class of 1959. He continued his studies at Norfolk State University.
On July 22, 1963, Joseph married the love of his life, Ethel Ray Harris. The couple moved to New York, where they lived for nine years and welcomed their only child, Tracy Bradley Goodrich, in August of 1964. While in New York, Joseph pursued technical training in Data Processing and launched his career in financial services at Salomon Brothers on Wall Street.
Upon returning to his hometown of Portsmouth, Joseph and Ethel made their home in the Cavalier Manor community. He resumed his banking career at Virginia National Bank, which eventually became Bank of America through a series of mergers. Before retiring in 2000, Joseph served as Vice President of Programming, capping over 20 years of dedicated service. In addition to his work in banking, he also pursued his entrepreneurial interests by managing real estate properties in Chesapeake and Norfolk.
A man of deep faith, Joseph served the Lord faithfully throughout his life. He and Ethel were longtime members of St. James Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, where he held various roles of service. Later in life, he became a member of Collinswood Agape Baptist Church, where he worshipped until his passing.
Joseph was a devoted family man who took great pride in caring for his loved ones. Fondly called “Bear” by his family, he was a loyal son, supportive brother, proud father, and a doting grandfather. He had a special bond with his grandson, Travelle—lovingly calling him “Tree-velle.” He was known to proudly proclaim that he was “Lelia and Joe’s oldest son,” and quite possibly their “favorite.”
Joseph enjoyed many of life’s pleasures. He and Ethel took annual trips to Las Vegas for many years. He cherished golfing every week with his brothers and nephews and upheld a 20-year tradition of monthly lunch dates with his best friends, Jack T. Walker and the late Bismarck Myrick Sr. After retirement, daily walks around the neighborhood or at Chesapeake Square Mall became a cherished routine. During his daily check-ins with family, Joseph often joked, “I’m going to the mall to talk trash and tell some lies.”
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Ethel R. Harris Goodrich; his parents, Joseph Sr. and Lelia H. Goodrich; and four sisters: Robin Goodrich, Joyce G. Rawls, Carolyn G. Wilson, and Delores G. Yancy.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving son, Tracy Goodrich (Stephanie); grandson Travelle Goodrich (Alexandria); granddaughter Lauren Boykins; three great-grandchildren: Isaiah, Arielle, and Naomi Boykins; sisters Joanne Elliott (Kevin), Deborah Holloman (Vincent), and Patricia Harrell; brothers Curtis Goodrich (Barbara), Leon Goodrich (Deborah), and Darnell Goodrich (Deannean); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, “buddies,” and former colleagues.
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Gail Farrell says
May 4, 2025 at 8:30 amI had the pleasure of working with Jody. He was always grounded in his faith and family and treated people with respect. I will miss his calls just to check in on me and to reminisce about the good old days. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Rochelle Lask says
May 4, 2025 at 5:26 pmJody was a fine man. May his memory always be a blessing. Sincerest condolences to the Goodrich family.
Larry Thompson says
May 5, 2025 at 1:15 pmGreat guy! 🙏🏼 for his family
Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky says
May 5, 2025 at 1:31 pmJody was a true original. As Shakespeare wrote, “[T]o thine own self be true, / And it must follow, as the night the day, / Thou canst not then be false to any [one].” He made this world a better place than the one it was when he arrived.
Linwood & Vanessa Turner says
May 5, 2025 at 4:49 pmJody was like a brother to me. We worked together for many years and our families were similar. I will miss his encouraging phone calls to make sure I take good care of my wife and family. I send my condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Tricia says
May 6, 2025 at 4:51 pmMr Goodrich was very nice and respectful man. So glad GOD put you in me and family path. At the time when I needed a place. SlP 🕊️🕊️🕊️Sending condolences to the entire Goodrich family
Leigh M. Burton, Sr says
May 6, 2025 at 9:42 pmI had the pleasure knowing Joe through My Aunt ho was His High School classmate. Every time He saw Me He would always Say I just talked to Your Aunt.. He was always friendly.. May the family continue to look to Jesu during this time..
Debbie Featherstone Scott & Family says
May 6, 2025 at 10:24 pmIn Loving Memory of Uncle “Bear”
I will always cherish the warmth and concern you showed for mom and the family during our bumping into one another often around PTown. Though brief they were genuine and caring. You will be missed. Condolences to you All.
Bruce Bertero says
May 11, 2025 at 4:04 pmJody, a man of his word and someone who cared for others immensely. We began working together in January of 1983, what a pleasure it was. His advice has guided me for more than four decades and will eternally do so. Condolences to the family.