Justin Taylor Goodreau

Justin Taylor Goodreau, 29, of East Hampton, died Monday March 19th at his home. Born Feb. 16, 1989 in Middletown he was the son of Brion and Deborah (Merrick) Goodreau. Justin was a 2008 graduate of Vinal Technical High School and had worked as an auto body mechanic, most recently for Corvette Connection. Justin was very active in the Salvation Army in Springfield, MA. To know Justin was to know what true, authentic and full-hearted love looked like.  His love of his sisters, his brothers, his mom, his dad, family and friends was so large; it most likely could move mountains. Justin had a rare thing in this life – a heart big enough and true enough to love all those in his life to the fullest extent. Many of Justin’s best memories come from a place that he felt was heaven on earth and that would be at Stony Fork Creek Campground in Pennsylvania where he spent the summer with his family, four wheeling, swimming, biking, hiking to waterfalls, and sitting by the campfire as the fire blazed. Truth be told, the only thing that could make such a scene better for Justin would be if there were plentiful amounts of automobiles in need of restoration or repair that he could tend to and figure out without a second thought. His knack with cars came naturally. Ever since his childhood, he was fascinated with all things to do with automotive and took that passion to a career he adored working in auto body at Corvette Connection.

Once Justin grew a trust in you, which didn’t take long with his big heart, he was fully invested in that relationship. His heart was contagious and to those of us left without that huge love, we feel an unimaginable absence. Whether it was the simplest conversation about Justin’s favorite shows, Walking Dead and Supernatural or if it was a sincere conversation about who you are and what you need – Justin was the go-to person, the best person to call and talk with.

Justin would be the first to say – he knew exactly how to be a wise ass, crack jokes and be a lovable pain in the ass – but he loved to be just that because he knew his family loved him as unconditionally as he loved them.  Even from a young age, smuggling Eminem records and Ludacris mix tapes into his room, it was the thrill of the forbidden journey – getting into trouble with his siblings that made Justin love instigating, he loved the closeness of anything.

At every campfire in the backyard of his family home with friends and family, Justin was there, fully embracing all the people that came into his life and showing immense pride in every, single member of his family. In fact, Justin looked at the people in his life with such pride and love, that he could never understand how anyone couldn’t see how amazing they were and his family looked at him the same exact way – they saw and see the best in each other.

There are few genuine, good-hearted people that grace this earth and suffice it to say that Justin Goodreau was one of them – the best of the best when it comes to being a son, a brother and a friend. We know Justin will be waiting for us at the campfire in his the setting of his favorite campground, working on some sweet cars until we meet again and guiding us from above.

 Besides his parents he is survived by his paternal grandparents Rex and Phyllis Goodreau of FL,two brothers Zacharie Goodreau of West Hartford, Eric Goodreau and his children Alex and Eric Jr. of MO, two sisters Cacie Goodreau of Meriden, Taylor Goodreau of East Hampton, many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, he also leaves his best friend Cody Battistoni of MA. Justin was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Richard and Betty Merrick. Friends may call at the Spencer Funeral Home 112 Main St. East Hampton on Friday March 23rd from 5:00PM until 8:00PM. A funeral service will be held at 8:00PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army 285 Liberty St. Springfield, MA 01104.

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