Keith James Goodell passed away peacefully at his home in Colchester, Connecticut, on October 21, 2026, at the age of 80, with his beloved wife, Anne “Annie” Garland, by his side. Born in Ravenna, Ohio, he grew up on the historic Goodell family farm in Mantua, the son of the late Frank H. and Virginia B. (Black) Goodell.
Keith was salutatorian at Crestwood High School and a top wrestler. He graduated from Hiram College in 1968 with a BS. degree in Mathematics. A motorcycle and a semester in Europe studying art history sparked a lifelong love of travel and art.
Keith built a distinguished career in actuarial consulting, first with UTC divisions and Milliman & Robertson. He then founded Outland Consultants, LLC, in Glastonbury, which he led for 18 years before it merged with Lockton Companies in 2016. He retired in 2021.
A farm boy and many-time 4-H winner, Keith found the tractor simply wasn’t fast enough. Motorcycles became a passion, leading to Enduro racing and honors as a top senior rider. Later came road cycling, where a 75-mile ride was nothing unusual. He treasured riding with his son, Joe. When he wasn’t on wheels, he was working out with his CrossFit family.
Keith and Anne married in October 2005, a year after they met, and shared a wonderful life of travel, food, wine, art, music, and collies. Each wedding invitation held a living maple leaf, a tribute to the great maple that shaded the Goodell farm. Keith later planted Ohio maples along his Connecticut driveway, a quiet thread running through his life.
He worked hard and played hard. He was a wonderful storyteller, generous, and quietly charming, with the warmest smile. After his thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2020, he met each challenge with grace, determination, and an unwavering belief that he would live to 100.
Keith is survived by his wife, Anne; his children, Roland “Joe” (Sherri) Goodell and Reba Goodell; his grandson, Arthur; stepchildren Lauren and Sam Handel, and John and Ann D’Ambruoso; step-grandchildren Orson, Wild, Virgil, and Alma; his brothers, Jay (Barb) and Bruce Goodell; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, December 13, at 2 pm at Portage Faith United Methodist Church, 9922 State Route 44, Mantua, Ohio. Calling hours will be from 1-2 pm before the service. A Celebration of Life was held previously in Connecticut.
