GOLDSWORTHY, Frederick Jr. “Jack” – of Fenton, MI, age 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, surrounded by his family and faithful dog, Charlie. He was an empathetic, gentle soul known for his quick wit and charming Irish smile. Our family is heartbroken over his loss but grateful for his love, laughter, and friendship. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1PM Friday, March 17, 2023 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 404 N. Dayton Street, Davison, MI 48423; Rev. Fr. Dieudonne Ntakarutimana celebrant. Interment will take place following the Mass at St. John Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 3PM to 7PM Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Allen Funeral Home, 9136 Davison Rd. Davison, MI 48423, and at 12PM before the service on Friday, March 17 at the church. A Rosary will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 6PM at Allen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice, in Jack’s memory.
Jack was born on February 26, 1931, in Flint, Michigan, son of the late Frederick J. and Kathleen (O’Toole) Goldsworthy. His mother Kathleen gave him the gift of faith and his faith was the cornerstone of his life. At a young age, he became the man of the house and the rock of their family. His mother’s sense of humor and devotion to her family shaped the man he would become. Jack graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1949 and worked briefly for General Motors before joining the Air Force. A chance encounter with a GM telephone operator named Kathleen Lynch led to a blind date with her niece (and his eventual soulmate), Carmen Arita Chimner. This wonderful twist of fate resulted in a 60-year union and a family legacy of four children, nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Jack dedicated over thirty-seven years to General Motors and worked his way from the mailroom, to electrician, to eventual chief engineer of the AC Spark Plug water treatment plant and powerhouse. His integrity and work ethic were the hallmarks of his career. However, Jack’s true passion was building a family with Carmen. Married in 1953, they experienced the joys of raising children, spoiling grandchildren, golfing with friends, and traveling with family, including his beloved sister, Barbara and brother, David. Anna Maria Island, Florida, became the family haven for over 50 years, a tradition that lives on. He developed a love for E-type Jaguars and enjoyed restoring them with his sons. Jack also loved sports, including the Detroit Tigers and especially the Detroit Red Wings. He coached his three sons in high school hockey and consumed his fair share of Tums throughout each game. He also raised his four children to love watching “Hockey Night In Canada”. Another favorite pastime was going to Michigan football games where he tailgated until he was 91 years old. Jack was an incredible caregiver for his wife Carmen after she developed a serious illness. After Carmen’s passing in 2016, he lived for his family. Jack cherished his time at Lake Shannon for family reunions and casual gatherings. In honor of his wife and his mother, he planted flowers each spring. His beloved Breakfast Gang was also a huge part of his life for over 25 years and was like his second family. Jack was also very committed to charities, including the Knights of Columbus, Alzheimer’s, American Heart Association (Pulmonary Hypertension), and wildlife organizations. He and Carmen were also longtime members of St. John’s, Davison, MI and St. Augustine, Howell, MI Catholic parishes.
Jack is survived by his sister, Barbara (French), brother David Goldsworthy (Betty); sons, Mark Goldsworthy (Corinn), Michael Goldsworthy, Sr. (Janice), Timothy Goldsworthy (Jennifer); daughter, Janice Graham (Michael); granddaughters, Stephanie Staley, Danielle Ward (Ryan), Jessica Grover (Jacob), Isabella Staley, Peyton Staley, Audrey Ward, Courtney Howard (Matt), Vivienne Howard, Sophia Howard, Cecelia Howard, Frances Goldsworthy; grandsons, Michael Goldsworthy (Jen), Nicholas Goldsworthy (Mallory), Ben Goldsworthy, Matt Goldsworthy (Sara), Steven Goldsworthy, Andrew Goldsworthy, Alex Graham and Ian Graham; very special nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends.
The family would like to express our deepest thanks to the team at Gentiva Hospice, especially hospice nurses, Terrie Glassbrook and Kalie Lavrack. We also appreciate the support from Bryan Carto and the team from First Light Home Health.
His laughter, wisdom and joy will sustain us for the rest of our lives. To know him was to love him. Rest in peace, Dad, we love you always.