William Joseph "Jody" Goldstein

June 8, 1951 - October 9, 2013

William Joseph “Jody” Goldstein, Jr., 62, of Crestwood, KY, formerly of Springfield, IL died in Torrance County, California on Oct. 9, 2013. He was born June 8, 1951 in Springfield, IL to William Joseph and Ramona June (Buecker) Goldstein, Sr. He was preceded in death by his father.

Jody was an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Griffin High School in 1969 and Embry Riddle Aeronautical Institute. He was a flight instructor at Capital Airport. Early in his career he was a private pilot; also a Commercial Pilot at Orion Air then US Air for over 25 years.

His hobbies included aviation, classic cars, US War enthusiast, animal lover, cooking, family stories, animal rescue, construction and building. He never hesitated to help someone in need.

He is survived by his mother, Ramona Goldstein of Springfield; life-companion, Debra Goldstein of Crestwood, KY; two step children, Sara (Kevin) Mudd and Ericka Kennedy; three step grandchildren, Noah, Mya and Aiden; two sisters and two brothers, Carolyn (Kevin) Delaney, Stephen (Melony) Goldstein, Sally Goldstein Peterson and Tom (Jennifer) Goldstein; lifelong friend, Brian Winer and many aunts and uncle, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation: 4- 7 pm, Sunday October 20, 2013 at Staab Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: 10:00 am, Monday, October 21, 2013 at Staab Funeral Home with Reverend Gus Franklin officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Alleycat Advocates, 3044 Bardstown Road #204 Louisville, KY 40205.

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Visitation Information

Staab Funeral Home - Springfield

Address:

1109 South Fifth Street

Springfield, Illinois 62703

217-528-6461

Map

Service Information

Time: 10:00 am

Staab Funeral Home - Springfield

Address:

1109 South Fifth Street

Springfield, Illinois 62703

217-528-6461

Map

Visitation Information

Staab Funeral Home - Springfield

Address:

1109 South Fifth Street

Springfield, Illinois 62703

217-528-6461

Map

Service Information

Time: 10:00 am

Staab Funeral Home - Springfield

Address:

1109 South Fifth Street

Springfield, Illinois 62703

217-528-6461

Map

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Ruston Dickens posted on 11/17/13

My thoughts and prayers go out to Bill's family. I had the pleasure of working with Bill, a true professional and all around great guy. He will be missed.

Buddy Bowen posted on 10/26/13

Bill will be missed my many.He was a Great guy to fly with and we always talked about old cars,cats,and beer.I'm sure my Mama met Bill with her green beans with bacon.Bill is probably still pootin from cloud to cloud.

Sue & Doug Clarke posted on 10/21/13

Saddened to hear of Jody's death & sorry we couldn't make it to any of his celebration of life. For Debbie, the girls & the family we pray that your happy memories of Jody help you to "heal". So sorry we missed seeing you, Debbie.

Gene Thomas posted on 10/20/13

Wonderful professional pilot with a big heart. Always enjoyed flying with Bill. We enjoyed talking about our love for less fortunate animals, particularly cats. Captain Gene Thomas

Anna J. Mojsejenko / Timothy L. Campbell posted on 10/20/13

We drove home to Crestwood so we could work with Bill on a project. I did not find out until I went to his home that evening what had happened. We are heartbroken. If you needed something there he was. He had a laugh that would rattle glass. He called me battle ax, I called him what ever I first thought of. We discussed his cats, he now has 12, I have 5. A topic of endless discussion, and he so dearly loved them. He recently adopted a cat that I was taking care of at our home in KY. I told him that I did not think Key Key or Smokums would make it another winter outside. He took him in. We no longer lived here full time and I knew I could rely on Bill, and Debra. You could not have a more loyal, trustworthy, hard working man as Bill. He was good natured and he loved his beer. I had brought him his favorite brew from Florida so he would have it that weekend when we were to work together. It is still sitting on my counter, I can not touch it yet. I know his family is heartbroken too. I can not express how much he meant to us. Words can not describe it properly. The world has lost a good person, a dear soul, a wonderful individual. May you rest in peace dear Bill, you will be missed. Each and every day! Hugs and kisses to Bill's family. Anna J. Mojsejenko / Timothy L. Campbell

Colleen Fields posted on 10/19/13

What a gentleman I was lucky enough to call friend!

Colleen Fields posted on 10/19/13

What

Barb Simmers posted on 10/19/13

My sincere sympathy to Bill's family. I scheduled Bill for years and considered him a good friend, I knew not to call him too early because he liked his sleep. We talked about his cats, cars and trips. He was a nice man that I never will forget. He will be missed.

Steve @ Certified posted on 10/19/13

It was always a pleasure to see Bill. He seemed to always have a car project going on and was seeking reassurance and advice as to what the next step was. Bill always had a good story to tell and traded barbs back and forth with me countless times. I will miss him, but he will always be with me. Prayers and support to Debra and family.

Mike Turpen posted on 10/19/13

Bill was a good friend and a creative individual. He was always ready to help or to have a good discussion. Passionate about animals, thought they had much more character than most humans. Easy to talk to and a GREAT pilot to trust. One of the best in aviation in many years. He fixed and flew most every type of flying machine ever built, even the ones duct taped together. He could eat like a horse, drink like an Irishman and hold a new kitten with TLC. Heart bigger than he was in stature! Bill, you will be missed.

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