Dr. Lee 'Sonny' R. Goodness, Ed.D.

90, of Smithfield, RI passed away peacefully at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Inpatient Center on Thursday, March 22, 2018. He was the husband of Pamela (Bio) Goodness, they were together for 35 years. Born August 14, 1927 in Oswego, New York. He was the son of the late Leon Goodness and Helene (Mitchell) Goodness of Oswego, New York.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his sister Nancy Graceffo and her husband Thomas Graceffo of Jamesville, New York and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. His brother-in-law Richard S. Bio and his fiancé Janet Cocozza of Cranston. Nieces Jeanne Graceffo-Greene and Jill Okigbo, both of Syracuse, New York. Niece Alexandria N. Bio and her fiancé Jonathan McNamara of Pawtucket and nephew Philip R. Bio of Ft. Meade, Maryland. He was predeceased by his brother Charles K. Goodness and his maternal Aunt Jean Mitchell. He is also survived by his loving canine companion Millie.

Lee graduated from U.S. Maritime School in Sheepshead Bay, New York and was a veteran of the USCG-Merchant Marines during World War II, serving aboard the Liberty ships. During the Korean War he was a paratrooper in the 504th Airborne Infantry 82nd Airborne Division and later attended OCS, graduating as a Second Lt. When he was honorably discharged in 1959 from the Army he was a First Lt. and Commanding Officer of a Signal Support Company. During his service he was awarded a WWII Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Merchant Marine Emblem, Atlantic War Zone Bar, and Pacific War Zone Bar.

Lee graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL, he earned his Master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and his Doctorate from University of Missouri, Columbia. Through the Department of Defense, he taught children of military personnel at Ramstein Air Force Base in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

For over 40 years Lee was a teacher of Industrial Arts. He taught in schools in Michigan and New Jersey then at the Henry Barnard School on the campus of Rhode Island College. After earning his Ed. D. in 1971, he was an Associate Professor of Technology Education at Rhode Island College until his retirement in 2000.

Lee had an adventurous spirit, a great sense of humor, and was always ready with a witty comeback. He enjoyed traveling about, especially to Florida and his beloved Disney World. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him and loved him.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston followed by a Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m.  Burial with Military Honors will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.  VISITING HOURS are Tuesday from 5 – 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lee’s name to: Hope Hospice and Palliative Care RI, 1085 N Main St., Providence, RI 02904.