Goldburn Goodridge

Goldburn Nathaniel Goodridge Jr. (better known as Sonny Boy, Goodie and more recently Nathan) was born May 11, 1937 from his parents the late Goldburn Nathaniel Goodridge Sr and Esma (Hewitt) Goodridge.

Nathan and his family grew up in Cambridge and Somerville. He attended Somerville High School where he excelled on the track team as well as playing the saxophone, subsequently graduating from Somerville High School in 1955.

After high school, Nathan went on to serve in the Air Force with his brother, Vincent, in 1957 and was stationed in Taiwan (Formosa) and in Tokyo, Japan. While in the Air Force, he served as an Air Policeman where he eventually met his beautiful wife, Kyoko Nishizaki in 1959.

A year later, they were married and from this union they had 2 sons, Stanley and David. At the age of 46, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Business. While raising his family, he worked for Polaroid, Brighams, and as a real estate agent. Nathan worked for Polaroid for over 30 years and held various positions eventually retiring as a manufacturing process supervisor. During his Polaroid tenure, he led an affirmative action program bringing students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities for summer internships. He not only worked with the interns; he opened his home to those interns and planned activities and weekend trips.

Nathan was a jack of many trades; a handyman, car mechanic, and real estate agent. He enjoyed bowling, riding his motorcycle, listening to doowop and jazz and often organized gatherings with family and friends at his favorite places – Old Country Buffet and Flaming Grill.

Nathan leaves his 2 sons and daughter-in-laws, Stanley & Sophia Goodridge, Alphretta, GA and David & Karen Goodridge, Somerville, MA; grandchildren, Darryl (Renae), Alicia, Emma-Grace, and Ethan; Great grandchildren, Julian, Cassius, and Kira; siblings, Lucille Goodridge, Phyllis Evans, Robert Goodridge, Arthur (Barbara) Goodridge; the late Myra Rodrigues, Vincent Goodridge, Malcolm Goodridge; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, additional family, and friends.

In addition to flowers, donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America – https://dementiasociety.org/donate

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