Arthur Van Kleek Goodwin

Arthur “Art” Van Kleek Goodwin, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Shannondale of Maryville. He was born on February 1, 1940, in Connecticut, and was the youngest son of Sara McConnell and Frederick Goodwin. He grew up in Connecticut and attended Bates College in Maine where he earned a degree in physics and math, and met his wife of 60 years, Nora Jensen.

Art and Nora raised their children, Debbie and Randall, in Pittsford, New York. Art was a rocket scientist by trade and part owner of an engineering firm. He designed specialty valves for rockets, satellites, and other aircraft, some of which were patented. In fact, some of his designs were used on Space Shuttles and on the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft that are still wandering the universe. In retirement, Art and Nora travelled extensively and made great memories with their friends and family at their homes on Keuka Lake in New York and Ocean Village in Florida.

Art was a devoted and beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He was a quick-witted lover of poetry, jazz, corny jokes, and puns. He was a crossword puzzle genius and an expert bridge player, especially when teamed with his favorite partner, Nora. He taught himself to play piano by ear, was a Ham radio enthusiast, and was known for his crepes suzette.

His beloved wife of 60 years, Nora, passed away on June 2, 2025, and his sister Patsy and brother Wendell also preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Chris Cone, and son and daughter-in-law, Randall and Maria Goodwin; grandchildren: Matthew and Jack Cone, and Isabella Goodwin; his sister-in-law, Vera Bond; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will have a private celebration of his life at Keuka Lake in New York. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, please instead send donations to the employee fund at Shannondale in Maryville, Tennessee. Condolences may be shared at www.SmithFuneralandCremationService.com. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, is servicing the family at this time.