John Gooding, chairman of GSM Roofing, Ephrata, Pa., and former NRCA chairman of the board, passed away Sept. 7. He was 80.
Gooding earned an associate’s degree in administration and accounting from Goldey-Beacom College in Delaware and was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
After serving his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, Gooding joined the family business, GSM Roofing (formerly Gooding Simpson and Mackes Inc.), which his father founded in 1946. Under his leadership, the company grew into a respected regional roofing contractor known for its integrity and craftsmanship.
In addition to serving as NRCA’s chairman of the board in 2003-04, Gooding served as NRCA chairman of the board—elect from 2002-03; vice chairman from 1997-1999; and as a director from 1989-92, 1994-96 and 1999-2002. He was a member of many committees, serving as chairman of the Affiliate Relations Committee, Budget and Finance Committee, Convention Committee, Exhibitor Advisory Committee, Health and Safety Committee, Industry Advisory Board, Insurance Board of Governors and International Relations Committee, among other committees. He also served as president of the Roofing Alliance in 1999.
In 2016, Gooding was awarded the prestigious J.A. Piper Award, presented to one roofing professional per year for exceptional and sustained service to NRCA and the industry.
Gooding also was dedicated to community service and philanthropy through the Gooding Group Foundation and other charitable endeavors. He and his late wife, Mary, were lifelong members of Highland Presbyterian Church where Gooding held various volunteer leadership roles. He actively participated with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a leader with Troop 99. He also sat on the board of Thaddeus Stevens College and devoted his time to the High Center for Family Business, where he later was inducted into its Hall of Fame.
Gooding was preceded in death by his parents, J. Fred and Fern S. Gooding; his wife, Mary Gooding; and his brothers, William “Bill” Gooding and Edward Gooding. He is survived by his fiancée, Mary Hayes; his sister, Virginia Nickel; his sons Russ Gooding (Stephanie), Reed Gooding (Michelle) and Will Gooding (Kristyn); and his grandchildren Angus, Drake, Alex, Mackenzie, Zoe, Parker, Payton, Grayson, Ella, Adalyn and Hunter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Highland Presbyterian Church or The Roofing Alliance.
