J. Douglas Goodermote

Berlin – Doug (John Douglas) Goodermote of Echo Park, Berlin, NY, let go of this life on October 30, 2012, just 5½ hours shy of his 94th Halloween Birthday. He was at home alone with his beloved son, Kent, and daughter-in-law, Lilly, by his side, just as he had wanted.
Doug was born October 31, 1918, in “the yellow house” on Plank Road in Berlin. He was the third of five children of Arthur J. “Carpenter Art” and Marcia Vincent, from whom he learned a strong work ethic and a life long devotion to family.
Doug attended the Old School in Berlin until his 16th year when he announced that he did not want to go to school anymore. His parents gave him a choice to go to work or get back to school, and he chose work, helping his father to build many houses in the area, including every house on the flats in Berlin and all but two in Echo Park. He also worked for a time for Cowee’s and in “retirement” helped his brother Loyal with his business and Seagroatt’s to put the plastic on its greenhouses.
In 1940 Lawrence Carr and Doug opened a new store in town, The Berlin Cash Market, a general store known for its fine quality meats, plentiful general merchandise and friendly service. When World War II began Doug enlisted, leaving his partner to keep the business going. After the war he came back to the business, and he and his partner expanded the store. At the time there were nine stores in town. The Cash Market was a thriving family business for 40 years. Those who were close to Doug knew him for his generosity. He quietly helped many families in the valley over the years.
An entrepreneur at heart, many will remember cutting down their Christmas tree on Doug’s family farm where he and his son raised trees for 40 years.
Doug loved to dance, and his sister Elizabeth reports that most of the girls in town wanted to dance with him! Back in the 1940s, while enjoying a dance at the Berlin Fire House, he met his future bride, Betty Reynolds Goodermote, whom he married at age 28 on June 9, 1946.
In 1980 Doug and Betty sold the store and retired and set out to travel almost every state in the U.S.A. He also took the opportunity to more fully enjoy his passion of buying, showing and selling antique cars, owning twelve at one time. His garage is brimming with 101 trophies and 23 plaques from car competitions. When not traveling they spent pleasant summers at their camp on Dyken Pond.
Doug was a hard worker for the Berlin United Methodist Church and a member for 82 years. He was a past Commander of the American Legion, an organization he was loyal to for 67 years, and an officer in The 40/8.
Doug loved to ice fish and to hunt and was a former member of the Berlin Rod and Gun Club and the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company. He is the last remaining founding member of the Berlin Community Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife of 61 years.
Doug had a spirit that brought laughter and challenge to old age and illness, and he was determined to live life to the fullest to the very end.  His greatest pride was his son Kent who cared for him for three years and took him on many an adventure, always creating a goal to reach for and having the satisfaction that every one was achieved. He was especially thrilled to take his 1915 Model T Ford to the 100th Anniversary Celebration of The Model T Ford in Illinois, where he shook hands with Henry Ford’s grandson.
In addition to his son Kent and daughter-in-law Lilly, he is survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Goodermote Reynolds of Berlin and Hilda Goodermote Fryer of Troy, NY, his sisters-in-law, Marion Perkins Goodermote of Troy and Grace Loker Goodermote of Berlin, his nieces and nephews, Jan Goodermote Newport of Poestenkill, NY, Dean Goodermote of Stowe, VT, Wayne Goodermote of California, Cathy Fryer of Rome, NY, Dale Fryer of Syracuse, NY, Todd Fryer of Clifton Park, NY, Sherry Teal of Poestenkill and Jill and Shelley Teal of Averill Park, NY.
In addition to his parents and wife, he is pre-deceased by his brothers, Dee and Loyal Goodermote, a special niece, Penny Reynolds Teal, and his brother-in-law, William T. Reynolds.
Doug was a humble and sincere man and insisted that he be laid to rest in a simple graveside service with no fanfare, no more than his buddies in World War II had who died in the trenches. Friends and family are invited to come together as we fulfill his last wish on Saturday, November 3, at 11 am with a Graveside Service at the Berlin Community Cemetery and with a gathering at the Berlin United Methodist Church to follow.
Contributions may be made to the Berlin United Methodist Church or The Berlin Community Cemetery in care of the funeral home.  Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home of Petersburgh, NY.