Hugh Fred Goodridge was born on December 22, 1940, in Spring Farm, St Thomas, Barbados as a second child to the late Irene Pearline McKenzie and the late Alfred Edward Goodridge.  He departed this life on December 17, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton, Massachusetts after a long bout of illness.  Fred was preceded in death by his wife Beverly A. Goodridge.  He leaves to cherish his memory children Fred K. Goodridge. Janell D. Goodridge, Hugh (Terrence) Goodridge, Michael B. Dent, Trent Goodridge, brother Franklin Goodridge, sister Pearline Garner MD, brother and sister-in-law Barbara Goodridge and Edward Garner, grandchildren Terrence R. Goodridge, Trent Goodridge Jr, Avianna Goodridge, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, many family members, and friends.  His grandchildren lovingly referred to him as 'Papa G'.  He wouldn't have it any other way.

Fred was sent to this country along with his brother Franklin Goodridge by their loving mother at the early age of 9 just before his tenth year to secure a better life for himself. He arrived in this country never realizing what an impact his own life would have on so many other people both here, in his native island country of Barbados and around the world.  As a young New Yorker growing up in Spanish Harlem, both he and his brother Frank learned all the Spanish 'cuss' words.  That was just a hint to what would be Fred's dynamic personality.  As Fred grew older, he was always called "the life of the party".  He definitely had his own unique way of getting the good times rolling in any setting.

Fred attended New York Public Schools until he relocated to Boston, Massachusetts to finish his high school years at Boston Trade. He later went on to pursue further education at Wentworth Institute and Northeastern University in the skill of drafting and engineer designing.  He held many positions at prestigious companies such as Raytheon, Draper Labs, etc.  Fred retired from Haemonetics in Braintree, MA as a Senior Designer Engineer.  Fred was very creative and good at anything mechanical and enjoyed working on cars.  If it was broken, then he could fix it!

Among his many dedicated activities, Fred loved learning, practicing, and teaching the art of Karate.  He was adept at honing his skills in a multitude of extracurricular activities; however, the art of Karate was one he mastered well.   He was an accomplished black belt expert Sensei instructor noted for opening the first African American Karate Okinawan Do-Jo school in the Boston area.  During his early years, he participated in tournaments and was held in high esteem by his Cuban Armenian instructor, Anthony Mirakian, considered one of the fathers of Karate in America.  He had the privilege of meeting his instructor's friend, Bruce Lee, who was also known for introducing the art of Karate to America.   Fred mentored many students throughout the years and gained many lifelong friends while doing so.  No one in his path was exempt from learning at least how to kick, punch or do a Kata style technique. When you walked away from him, you felt strong and ready for the world.

Fred was caring, protective and supportive especially for those he loved.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was always concerned about their well-being.  It was guaranteed that there was never a dull moment in his presence.  Being in his company was thrilling because you never knew what story he would tell next.  He was a skillful storyteller with a multitude of experiences to draw from.    He was larger than life itself, loved by so many and will be equally missed by many more. His children will never forget the years that he spent in their lives and the many lessons that he taught them. He will always be remembered and loved and will continue to be a beacon of light in our hearts.