John S. Gooding, 80

September 07, 2025

John S. Gooding, longtime chairman of GSM Roofing in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, and a national leader in the roofing industry, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born in 1945 to J. Fred and Fern S. Gooding, John devoted his life to family, the roofing profession, and his love of the outdoors. He 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, he 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. GSM Industrial was incorporated thanks to John’s entrepreneurial spirit and his brother-in-law, Jim Towers’ leadership.
John was deeply involved in advancing the roofing industry. He served as President of the Roofing Alliance in 1999, as Chairman of the Board of the National Roofing Contractors Association from 2003 to 2004, and in numerous other leadership roles throughout his career. In 2016, NRCA honored him with its highest recognition, the J.A. Piper Award, for a lifetime of service and achievement.

A man of faith and generosity, John also dedicated himself to community service and philanthropy through the Gooding Group Foundation and other charitable endeavors. He and his wife Mary were lifelong members of Highland Presbyterian Church where John held various volunteer leadership roles. He actively participated with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a leader with Troop 99. He sat on the board of Thaddeus Stevens College and devoted his time and talents with the High Center for Family business, where he later was inducted into their Hall of Fame.
John’s hobbies centered around the outdoors with a love of fishing, hunting and traveling the world. He loved doing these activities with his kids, grandkids, family and friends. Whether this was leading scouts, fishing in Alaska, embarking on an African photographic safari, or visiting the polar bears in northern Canada, he was happiest surrounded by friends, family and nature.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Fred and Fern S. Gooding; his wife, Mary Gooding, in 2015; 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 beloved grandchildren: Angus, Drake, Alex, Mackenzie, Zoe, Parker, Payton, Grayson, Ella, Adalyn, and Hunter.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A time of greeting and visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Highland Presbyterian Church, address above or The Roofing Alliance.