Edward Goldsmith, Sr.

OXFORD -- Edward J. "Goldy" Goldsmith, Sr. died Friday, June 20th, at home. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol A. (Chalifoux) Goldsmith, and their five children: son Edward Jr. and his wife Beth of Thompson, CT.; daughters Kathleen Young and husband Ronnie of Charlton; Gayle Longtin; Laurie Burlock and husband Wayne; and Sharon Lockwood and husband Hank, all of Oxford; 15 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. He also leaves his sisters, Margaret Talman of Oxford and Anne Gillis of Worcester and several nieces and nephews. Goldy was born in Worcester on June 4, 1936, the son of the late George and Esther (Turnan) Goldsmith. He graduated from South High School in Worcester and attended Fitchburg State College, where he received his teaching certificate. He served in the Naval Reserves in the 1950's. He worked for many years as a mechanic at several shops in Worcester and later as an automotive instructor at Bay Path R.V.T.H.S. in Charlton for 28 years. He retired from there in 2003 and was a substitute teacher there through 2013. He is a member of MTA and BPTA. He lived in Oxford for 51 years and was a founding member of the Oxford Men's Softball League. He was a member of the group which built the Ruel Fields in 1968. He and Carol were members of the Hartland Softball Tournament Committee for many years. He was a fan of all the Boston sports teams and also NASCAR, especially the late Dale Earnhardt and now Dale, Jr. While at Bay Path, he was the Girls Softball Coach in the 1970's. He is a member of St. Roch's Church, Oxford, and a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus Council 4241. Goldy was a good friend to so many people. He was always willing to help anyone at any time. In sports, he stated that he "never lost, he only ran out of time". Sadly, he has now run out of time in his 10-1/2 year battle with cancer. We are grateful to the VNA Home Hospice Team, especially Lynne Cady, RN, for making it possible for Goldy to spend his final days at home with his family. We mourn his death but also celebrate his life. A funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2014, from Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Roch's Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Burial will be private at a later date. Calling hours are Tuesday, June 24, 2014, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been set up in his name at Hometown Bank in Oxford. The scholarship will be awarded to a Bay Path Automotive student. If you would like to donate, checks should be made out to the Edward Goldsmith Scholarship Fund and sent to Hometown Bank, 31 Sutton Ave., Oxford, MA 01540.