Remembering Abdul Cash Gooden
On Saturday, August 2nd, I attended the funeral for Abdul Cash Gooden, the son of Mary and Ernest Gooden. My only connection was knowing Mary, who was the local ward councilperson in Glens Falls and a neighbor. The service took place at Compassionate Funeral Care in Saratoga Springs, a mere twenty minutes from my home. Dressed in a black suit, I walked into the room, where nearly fifty people were gathered. As I waited in line to speak with Abdul’s relatives, I talked with others and overhead conversations about his life.
His passion was in food service, working in restaurants from Boston, Philadelphia, and upstate New York. His most recent job was Angelina’s Pizzeria in Queensbury, New York, where the restaurant closed for the day to be at the service. On their social media post, they fondly remember the “endless jokes, constant love, and duets in the kitchen.”
Abdul’s life was cut short at the age of 42. I learned about him from his family and friends. One of his nephews recalled a memory of them at a professional basketball game with a humorous shared moment at the game. His siblings recalled his unusual but memorable dance moves, eliciting tears and smiles from all. His spirit will live on through everyone that knew him.
The Gooden family have relatives across the country, as one of his nieces carried an iPad with a livestream showing other people that could not make it physically to the funeral. From California, Texas, Florida, George, and upstate New York, Abdul’s life has meant a great deal to a lot of people. I wished everyone that I talked to well wishes and support on an incredibly difficult day.
Grief, especially for the passing of a parent’s child, is incredibly hard to bear, but the community that surrounds the Gooden family is widespread and loving. Abdul Cash Gooden leaves behind his sons, Damon and Latrell, as well as his longtime partner, Tameka. But his infectious laughter, insightful advice named “The Lecture”, and creative dance moves will live in memory. Rest in peace, Abdul. You will be missed by many.
