Obituary For Addison Goodson; Celebration Of Life Date; Fundraiser For His Wife Nilufer

A celebration of Addison’s life will be held on Thursday, April 23 at 4:00 p.m. at Nilufer’s Home Kitchen, 135 Main Street, Beacon.

A community fundraising effort to support his wife Nilufer can be found at: https://gofund.me/3c2664d86. Recently, Addison faced a difficult battle with cancer and, after a courageous fight, passed away on Sunday, April 19th, 2026. Throughout his illness, Nilufer was by his side, often closing her restaurant to care for him. This devotion, while a testament to their love, has brought significant financial challenges—lost business revenue, mounting healthcare costs, and now, the expenses of saying goodbye to Addison.

Addison Goodson’s Obituary

Written by his sister, Klair Ethridge.

Addison Thomas Goodson, III, a resident of Beacon, New York since 2005, passed away peacefully at home on April 19, 2026. He was 69 years old.

Born on September 15, 1956, in New York City, Addison was the son of the late Addison Thomas Goodson, Jr. and Elizabeth Govern Goodson. He grew up in a family deeply connected to public service and education. His mother was a dedicated educator in the New York Public School System, and his father worked for the New York City Library System.

Addison attended the Bronx High School of Science, where he thrived alongside his siblings in the city’s public school system. During his youth, he spent summers working at the Henry Street Settlement, an early reflection of his lifelong commitment to community service. He later received a full New York State Regents Academic Scholarship and graduated from Southampton College, a campus of Long Island University.

Addison spent time living in Los Angeles, where he co-founded and helped develop a restaurant job training program at the St. Joseph Center in Venice Beach. The program trained unhoused individuals in both front- and back-of-house restaurant skills and became the foundation for the now-renowned Bread & Roses Café. Addison also co-chaired several charitable fundraisers, bringing together notable members of the Hollywood community to support the program. Throughout his life, he remained a passionate community organizer, activist, and advocate, and also served as an Ombudsman.

A man of many talents and passions, Addison was especially devoted to writing poetry. He began composing as a child and continued throughout his life, sharing his work through readings at the Howland Cultural Center and other local venues. He also had a lifelong love of soccer, playing locally with the United Football Club of Beacon and supporting his favorite teams, Manchester United and FC Barcelona.

Addison loved to travel and experience different cultures. He was known for his roguish wit and gallows humor, bringing laughter and light to those around him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nilufer Goodson; his son, Addison T. Goodson IV; his sister, Klair Ethridge and her husband Ben;, his brother, Marc Gaynor and his wife, Anna; several nieces and nephews; and many friends and community members who will miss him dearly.

In addition to his parents, Addison was predeceased by his daughter, Gamze Merih Goodson, and his brother, Peter Shephard.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC. To send a personal condolence, please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.