Albert Neil Goodell

Albert Neil “LB” Goodell, of Morrisville Vermont, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2026, surrounded by love after years of facing significant health challenges that were made increasingly difficult by the progression of dementia. Through it all, he remained determined, resilient, and strong-willed. True to the man he was, he rarely complained and often carried his burdens quietly, refusing to let illness define him. He fought every obstacle with grit, stubbornness, and unwavering courage until his body could fight no longer.

Born on September 20, 1950, in Lowell, Vermont, Albert was the son of Hilda Boardman, Ransom Goodell, and Prentis Boardman. He was a proud Vermonter, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, railroad man, outdoorsman, storyteller, and friend. To many, he was simply known as “LB.”

Albert proudly served his country during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970 and was awarded many medals including a Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts for his service and sacrifice. His love for his country remained with him throughout his life.

One of the greatest gifts Albert carried home from his military service was the brotherhood he found among fellow veterans. The friendships he built through shared sacrifice and service lasted a lifetime. Whether through phone calls, visits, reunions, or simply sharing stories, those bonds remained an important part of his life.

Following his military service, Albert built a career with the St. Johnsbury and Lamoille Valley Railroad, where he worked for 36 years, eventually serving as a foreman. He was known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and dedication to the job.

Outside of work, Albert lived life fully. He loved hunting, fishing, cutting firewood, playing guitar, dancing, playing poker, taking Sunday drives, snow plowing, and spending time outdoors. He coached women’s softball, umpired men’s softball, and enjoyed cheering on local athletes whenever he had the chance.

Above all else, Albert treasured his family. He shared a loving marriage with his wife, Shayne, whom he married on August 5, 1972. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, laughter, and unconditional love. Though Shayne passed away in 2022, the love they shared remained evident every day of Albert’s life.

Some of Albert’s greatest joys came from being a grandfather. He loved watching his grandson, Alex, play ball and took great pride in cheering him on from the sidelines. He also cherished watching both Alex and his granddaughter, Daelyn, bowl, celebrating their successes and simply enjoying the time spent together. Some of his most treasured moments were spent fishing with his family/friends and making memories that will be carried forward for generations.

Albert is survived by his daughter, Lisa Desjardins and her husband, Mike, whom Albert loved like a son; his grandson, Alex (April); his granddaughter, Daelyn; his sisters Darlene (Allen), Brenda, Tammy (Shaun), Anita (Dennis), and Lori (Mike); his brothers Ransom (Joann), Richard (Eve), Mark (Tammy), and Dennis (Edie); his special sister-in-law Shelley (Gary); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, fellow veterans, and railroad brothers.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Shayne Goodell; his parents, Hilda Boardman, Ransom Goodell, and Prentis Boardman; his brother Michael Goodell; his brother Roger Whitcomb; his sisters Rita Patten and Linda Goodell; and many loved ones who welcomed him home.

Albert will be remembered for his strength, his stubborn determination, his quick wit, his love of storytelling, and his unwavering devotion to those he loved. While his family mourns his loss, they find comfort in knowing he is finally at peace and reunited with the love of his life.

Just weeks before his passing, Albert was honored with a Quilt of Valor in recognition of his military service and sacrifice to our nation—an honor that meant a great deal to him and to his family.

Albert’s life was marked by hard work, loyalty, resilience, service, and love. He was a man who showed up when needed, worked hard, loved deeply, and valued family above all else.

His family finds comfort knowing he is once again reunited with Shayne. We like to imagine him sitting around a card table with old friends, telling stories, planning his next hunting trip, casting a line into calm waters, and hearing the distant whistle of a train rolling down the tracks.

As Albert would often say, “It is what it is.”

A committal service with Military Honors will be held on July 18, at 11 am in Pleasant View Cemetery in Morrisville.