It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of Dr. Vincent Edward Gooden, a cherished member of the Upper Marlboro, Maryland community. Dr. Gooden passed away on December 18, 2023, at the age of 79.

Born into a family of high achievers, Vincent held a special place as the older brother of Linda Gooden, the 2006 Black Engineer of the Year. Linda fondly recalls Vincent as not just her brother but also her first mentor. His guidance and wisdom played a pivotal role in shaping her path to success. Vincent’s influence extended beyond his immediate family, touching the lives of many who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dr. Gooden’s passing is a significant loss not just to his family but also to the wider community. Tyrone Taborn, the co-founder of the BEYA Conference, fondly remembers Vince for his vibrant personality and the light he brought to every room he entered. His presence was a source of joy and inspiration, making every interaction memorable and meaningful.

A wake to honor and remember Dr. Gooden will be held on Friday, December 29th, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Devine Peace Lutheran Church, located at 1500 Brown Station Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. This will be followed by a funeral service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the same location.

In this time of grief, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Gooden’s family and friends. We hope that they find solace and comfort in the rich tapestry of memories he leaves behind. His legacy of warmth, laughter, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Vince began life in Youngstown, Ohio on November 3, 1944. He was the eldest child of Charles and Harriet Gooden. Vincent Gooden was a renaissance man, who excelled in many areas of life. He was a consummate scholar; a prolific writer; a respected leader; a devoted Christian; a caring mentor, and a modern artist.

As a first-generation college student and pathfinder for those that followed, he worked his way through college earning a bachelor’s degree at Youngstown State University; a master’s degree at Kent State University; and a Ph.D. at Virginia Tech.

Vince’s entire career was dedicated to helping others. He began his career as Assistant Mental Health and Retardation Director for Northern Ohio and later was promoted to Director. He spent several years as the Welfare Director for Mahoning County in Ohio before moving to the Washington DC area to work at Integrated Systems Analyst, Inc. Later he founded his own company, Nteract, Inc., which focused on public and private consulting. He chose the name because he believed interaction results in shared action.

In his later years, he published 2 books and dozens of peer-reviewed articles; painted hundreds of pictures; and was devoted to his work at church and his family. And he always hosted the best family events that showcased his exceptional barbecuing prowess.

Vince was married to the love of his life Valda (Vaughan) for 57 years. In addition to his wife, Vince leaves his son, Allen (Renata); his granddaughters, Jessica (Shan), Valda, and Lynda; great-granddaughter, Natalya; brothers, C. Michael (Diane), Steven (Gertrude), and Duane (Kathleen) and sister, Linda (Laird).