David Andrew Goodballet

David Andrew Goodballet
May 17, 1941 - September 2, 2026
Longtime Portsmouth Resident
US Navy Veteran
FC Daehler Mortuary


David Andrew Goodballet, a longtime member of the Portsmouth community, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on May 17, 1941, in East Liverpool, Ohio, David spent much of his life dedicated to his family and a fulfilling career as an elevator mechanic at Otis Elevator, where he worked for over 40 years.

David had a warm and generous spirit, and he never met a stranger. Those who knew him will remember his zest for life, which he shared with everyone around him. He was a proud member of the Elks (BPOE), where he felt a sense of camaraderie and community. David had a passion for golf and bowling, often seen perfecting his swing or enjoying a friendly game with friends. In his later years, he found joy in relaxing and watching his favorite Westerns, and he never missed an episode of The Andy Griffith Show, finding comfort in the familiar faces and timeless stories.

But perhaps the greatest joy in David's life came from being a doting father and grandfather. He cherished every moment spent supporting his daughters and he took immense pride in watching his grandchildren participate in their various sports events. His heart swelled with joy as he cheered them on, encapsulating what it meant to be a loving father and grandfather.

David was preceded in death by Martha (Nee Troup) Goodballet, his loving wife of 54 years, who passed away in 2020. Their bond was a testament to true love, and he missed her dearly every day. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Harold Keith and Eva "Jean" (Nee Talbott) Goodballet,who laid the foundation for the kind and compassionate man he became.
He was also preceded in death by his two sons, Keith and John Goodballet, and his loving grandson, Alex Jordan.

David leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, he will be deeply missed by his two daughters and son in laws, Jennifer and Marc Cottle and Erica and Jason Willis both of Portsmouth; grandchildren: Keith and Clay Cottle of Portsmouth, Lila Brown of Portsmouth, Andrew Brown of Fairview Heights, IL and Addison Willis of Portsmouth; great grandchildren, Cruze and Ivy Jordan of Wilmington, NC; one brother and sister in law Michael and Sue Goodballet of East Liverpool, OH, and two sister in laws, Peg Goodballet of East Liverpool, and Nancy Goodballet of Braselton, GA.

David's Family would like you to know that we are forever grateful for the care he received from those who loved him as their own at Wesley Village and Hillview, and to all of our friends and family who listened to our tired hearts talk about the daily visits with him for the past six years, thank you for all the grace you have shown to us.
Although we are truly heartbroken, we have peace in knowing that he is no longer trapped in a body and mind that no longer resembled home to him or us.

As per his wishes there will be no services, but please know he will be laid to rest with Martha, the love of his life, together in Greenlawn Cemetery.

Please visit www.fcdaehlermortuary.com to leave a special memory of David or condolences for his family.