Blessed with a beautiful, full, and well-lived life, Joe was called home to the Lord on July 2, 2021 while in the loving embrace of his family. Joe was 100 years old.
Born Santo Bonanno as the oldest child of Giuseppe and Mary Bonanno he was eventually joined by siblings Lucy and John. His parents had come to the U.S. from Italy through Ellis Island in the early 1900s. They worked hard to build a life for their family. As the years passed, the family name was translated and Santo became S. Joseph Goodyear son of Joseph B. and Mary B. Goodyear. Joe grew up in the family home in Irondequoit where his children fondly remember having Sunday dinners and other various family gatherings. Italian traditions and strong family values were instilled in Joe and he passed these on to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Joe attended Franklin High School and kept in touch with many of his classmates through the years. He organized dinners over the years but the group got smaller over time. He furthered his education at Niagara University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Business/Accounting. After college, he joined the Army when he was drafted in 1942. He was first stationed at what went on to be called Fort Drum in Watertown, NY as a Company Clerk. He was trained to go overseas if the need was to arise, but because of his administration and accounting skills, he was
given the responsibilities of Personnel Clerk. He was always quick to say that he was in the Army, but he had a nice desk job. By 1945, he had moved up to Company 1st Sergeant. Joe was tasked with being in charge of the Italian POWs.  The prisoners were treated fairly and a move was made to Rock Island with them so that their carpentry and auto mechanic skills could be utilized.
In April 1945, just prior to the move to Rock Island,  Joe was granted leave to marry his beloved Virginia.   Joe and Virginia lived in a small apartment in Rock Island. Small groups of the POWs were actually allowed to come to their apartment where Virginia prepared spaghetti dinners for them. They were extremely grateful to be treated so well. You see, no matter who you were and where you were in life, Joe (and Virginia) welcomed you and made you feel a part of the family. After a short stay in Illinois,  Joe was transferred to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he and Virginia lived until the official end of the war on September 2, 1945. Joe always felt it was an “honor to serve this great country of ours”. Years later he was able to enjoy a trip to Washington, D.C. with other veterans as a part of the “Honor Flight” program. He felt like royalty and was very grateful to have had the opportunity. It was a whirlwind trip and it took a few days for him to rest up afterward since he was the ripe old age of 96! He was still
going strong though.
Over the years, Joe and Virginia welcomed five children into their family. He always made sure that his family came first. He was there to provide support in any way it was needed. He might not have been the handiest when it came to home improvements or remodels that he or his children needed so if he couldn’t “MacGyver” his way through, he knew the tradesperson to call on. Joe was a
dedicated Executive Vice President of The Farash Corporation for many years and he came to know many tradespeople because of this. His family still recalls many
of those people because, you see, Joe didn’t just treat them like an employee or someone that he worked with, they became like family.Joe and Virginia created so many fond memories for others whether it was at their home on Rogers Parkway in Irondequoit, their “cabin” in Ionia (NY), their condominium in St. Petersburg (FL), or the cottage they rented for years at Mil’s in Clayton (NY) in the 1000 Islands. The family especially loved the beauty and special memories of the 1000 Islands so much so that they continue to vacation there and some even own their own little piece of heaven there!  Some of the memories at the family home in Irondequoit include Sunday dinners,
numerous birthday celebrations, as well as countless grandchildren sleep overs.  There were also meals at favorite restaurants together as a family over the years.
Joe always managed to get the “Joe Goodyear Parking Spot” wherever he went.  He may have circled the parking lot numerous times, but he usually managed to get a spot very close to the door. Once he was in the restaurant, everyone knew him by name. When Joe went somewhere, he took the time to get to know people and make them feel special. He again treated people like family.  He was a great negotiator as well. He was frequently called upon for advice when family members were preparing for large purchases. He gave his advice and many times came along to help negotiate the fairest deal possible. He often returned to the same salesperson because of the bond that he formed with them as well.  Once again, Joe left a positive impression on others who respected that.  He served on various committees and counsels that gave him the opportunity to have a positive impact on his community and church. He and Virginia were members of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Irondequoit for countless years. Joe was also involved with many Monroe County committees.  Joe enjoyed playing cards. His favorite was “Kings In The Corner”. He played with much success. He continued to “crush” his kids in card matches right up to the end. He was still playing a mean game of cards just a week ago.
As Joe’s family continues to share loving memories, the one thing that always stands out is the fact that he was such a loving and caring person. He continued to make people feel important and loved throughout his ENTIRE 100 years. He was overheard countless times telling grandchildren and great grandchildren, “Do you know the Golden Rule? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  Always treat people the way you would like to be treated.” Joe lived by these words at all times.
Joe is predeceased by his parents, Joseph B. and Mary B. Goodyear, sister, Lucy R. Goodyear, and loving wife Virginia A. Goodyear. Joe is survived by his brother
John (Anne) Goodyear, loving children; sons, Robert (Judy) Goodyear, Richard (Debbie) Goodyear; daughters, (Meg)Mary Ellen (Ron) Northrop, Marilyn (Glenn)
Pettinger, Marie (Mark) Veness; 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous dear friends.

Friends and family may call Thursday, July 8, 2021, 4PM-8PM at Miller Funeral Home, 3325 S.Winton Rd, Rochester, NY 14623.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, July 9, 2021 at 10:00AM at St. Margaret Mary Church, 401 Rogers Parkway, Rochester, NY 14617
Private Family Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
As an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY, 14620. (WEBSITE)
Friends and family are invited to share thoughts and special memories on Joe’s online guest book.