Obituary: Ted Goodnow

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Theodore “Ted” Goodnow, aged 63, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26th at his home in Princeton, MA, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Ted Goodnow founded, owned, and has operated Woodmeister Master Builders since 1980, serving as its C.E.O. - which he affectionately considered to be his role as the company’s “Chief Eternal Optimist” - for over 40 years. He was a beloved and well-respected member of the residential construction industry, having built some of the finest custom homes in the Northeast and beyond, collaborating with the most recognized names in architecture and design. Ted was widely regarded as a man of great character and gained a well-earned reputation for dependability and impressive problem-solving. A craftsman at his core, he was a life-long steward of the craft of woodworking and found great joy in mentoring the younger generation of Meisters.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ted was a devoted family man, who loved his wife and children above all else. He was a cherished husband to his high school sweetheart and soulmate, Kim Goodnow, whom he met at age 15 and from whom he has since been inseparable. Ted was a devoted father to his three children, Heather, Brooke, and Sam, who all moved back into their family home over the past several months to spend as much time together as possible. Ted’s sincerity, authenticity, industriousness, and curiosity made him a cherished friend to many.

Ted was not one to sit still. In his free time, he enjoyed tending to the 100-acre wildlife sanctuary on which he built his home and farm. He was an avid birdwatcher, and could often be found in his home woodshop working on a myriad of projects large and small. Ted loved to travel and enjoyed spending time at his home on Nantucket with friends and family, both on and off the water. He was also an active member of the Young Presidents Organization, where he served in several leadership roles including Chairman and Co-Founder of the New England Patriot Chapter. Ted was an involved member of his community and took pride in supporting local charities such as the Scouts of America, the Princeton Public Library, and the Worcester Center for Crafts.

Ted is survived by his wife Kim, his daughter Heather and her partner Eliott Marson, his daughter Brooke, and his son Samson, his sister Melissa Goodnow of Princeton, his sister Heidi Shaughnessy and her partner Pete Maxfield of Tahoe, CA, his brother Tim Goodnow and his wife Leslie of Roswell, GA, his brother Peter Goodnow of Jefferson, MA, his brother Judson Goodnow III and his wife Nikki of Mashpee, MA, his mother-in-law Janice Beressi of Holden, MA, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Visitation hours were held on Sunday, June 30th at the Goodnow family home, at 32 Whitaker Lane, in Princeton, MA. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Princeton Public Library or the Worcester Center for Crafts.

Ted Goodnow will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through his family, friends, colleagues, and the one-of-a-kind custom-built houses that his many clients call home.