Remembering our Ambassadors
We are saddened by the loss of ambassadors who have passed away while still part of our Goodwill family. We honor their memory, their service, and the difference they made in the lives of those around them. Their contributions live on in the opportunities they helped create and in the legacy of kindness they leave behind. We want to acknowledge all they did in Making Good Happen for our organization and community.
2026
Matthew Fisher
10/28/2025-3/23/2026
Matt was a free spirit that loved life. He loved to hang out with his friends at the beach, usually skateboarding and enjoying the beach vibe. He spoke about the Sox and the Patriots in a very passionate way.
2025
Erika Alvarez
Store Supervisor
10/2/2019-8/20/2025
Erika started with the company as a cashier, and through her dedication, perseverance, and strong work ethic, she continued to advance within the organization. Her ultimate goal was to become a Store Manager, and I truly believe she would have been an exceptional one.
Jorge Arce
Warehouse Processor I
11/18/2010-8/30/2025.
Jorge was very friendly towards others. He always showed up with a positive attitude he would greet everyone when he came to work. He might seem like the quiet type by just looking at him, but once you got to know him, you would see how friendly and kind he was.
Joaquin Lizarraga
e-Commerce Supervisor
10/19/2021-04/4/2025
When Joaquin got promoted to a full-time permanent supervisor position, it completed our team which made us a better unit. He was a great guy to work with and will always be remembered as a gentle giant.
Patricia Newton
Processing Worker I
10/14/2020 – 1/3/2025
She always wore a smile, even in the face of life’s greatest hardships. Her smile became a source of hope and inspiration, silently reminding everyone, ( My circumstances may be more difficult than yours, yet I choose to keep smiling). She served with quiet humility, touched countless lives without seeking recognition, and when her time came, she departed as quietly as she had lived-leaving behind a legacy of strength, grace, and compassion.
2024
John Paul Alamo
DOR Work Experience
5/16/2023 – 2/15-2024
John was very hardworking and always interested in doing a job well done. He was an incredibly friendly spirit who always came in smiling. He was a kind person that found joy in the little things, his laughter was contagious and being optimistic just lifted everyone around him.
Edna Hierro
Store Supervisor
5/8/2014 – 5/14/2024
Edna was a friendly, creative, fashionista. A person with a 110% happy attitude. Edna had the power to make a regular workday a new fun story to tell. She taught us that the only thing that counts is what you do with the time you currently have.
John Schuldes
Security Officer II
3/21/2023 – 8/26/2024
John was the longest lasting guard we had in North County. John was very nice and paid attention to every detail. If John had a question, he would ask. He wasn’t afraid and made sure things were done correctly.
Stephanie Trobaugh
Donation Center Attendant I
9/19/2018-10/14/2024
Stephanie was a dedicated ambassador who genuinely cared about the people she worked with and the mission of Goodwill. She approached every day with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a desire to support those around her.
2023
Richard Guerrero
Truck Driver I
3/27/2019 – 3/30/2023
Richard was a dependable driver that would complete his tasks and stay behind to offer support with anything needed at the end of the day. He was always respectful and a delight to work with.
Jaime Lynn Reiser
Salesperson I
9/19/2023-10/23/2023
Jaime will be remembered as being friendly and outgoing. Jaime was very well liked by all her fellow ambassadors, and she was really good at merchandising and provided excellent customer service to our customers.
Jesus Reynoso
Truck Helper I
8/10/2016 – 4/26/2023
Jesus or how everyone knew him “Chuy” was a helper that did exactly that, he was helpful to everyone. Chuy made friends quickly and was a very likeable person.
2022
Curt Ferris Buck
Warehouse Processor I
3/23/2001 – 12/20/2022
Curt genuinely enjoyed working alongside his fellow ambassadors and was always willing to lend a hand wherever he was needed. When he graduated from the program, he was offered a permanent position which he quickly accepted. He was very thankful for the opportunity Goodwill gave him and kept in close contact with his fellow ambassadors. His helpful nature, enthusiasm, and strong team spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who had the opportunity to work with him.
Beatriz Flores
Bookseller I
8/24/2021-11/10/2022
She brought a smile to everyone she encountered. Beatriz was a pleasure to work with.
Ezekiel Gutierrez
Safety and Asset Protection Manager
8/7/2014 – 12/2/2022
Zeke was a leader that provided an example of professionalism , honesty, and integrity. The conversations Zeke shared regarding his love of his daughters and wife meant very much to me because Zeke was a very private person.
Iosefa Mauga (Joe)
Truck Driver I
5/5/2001-2/22/2022
Big Joe always took the initiative to help anyone out with a task. He encouraged his coworkers that were struggling to work smarter, not harder, and would show them and give them tips on how to do so. Everyone adored him and looked up to him for advice personally and professionally.
2021
Robert (Bob) Kruse
Director of Facilities
10/14/1991-1/8/2021
Bob’s name will always be remembered. Bob spoke highly about our mission to internal and external stakeholders. He was very reliable and came to work with a smile on his face. Bob was available at all times and just a phone call away. Bob really enjoyed his work and had a very positive outlook on any situation.
Raeyna Veronica Medel
Paid Trainee
12/9/2020-4/8/2021
Raeyna Veronica Medel quickly adapted to new responsibilities and showed confidence when working independently. She performed well on the register, with balanced cash drawers and strong attention to customer service. Store leadership noted her positive attitude, willingness to learn, reliability, and ability to take initiative. She consistently arrived on time, followed procedures, and worked collaboratively with peers and supervisors.
Sanyika Thompson
e-Commerce Associate I
7/26/2017 – 1/9/2021
Sanyika had a very positive influence in that he always found a way to turn every situation into a positive moment. Perseverance pays! Never give up! Every moment matters!
2020
Rafael Estrada
Truck Helper I
3/4/2015 – 11/24/2020
Rafael would always come to work wishing everyone a good morning with a smile on his face. Rafael was a hard worker that would lend a hand when needed and would always try to help other ambassadors.
Virgilio (Virgil) Flores
Donation Center Attendant I
11/9/2012 – 2/19/2020
Virgil was a reliable, organized, and conscientious team member who took great pride in his work. He approached every task with dedication and always made sure it was completed thoroughly and to the best of his ability. His strong work ethic and commitment to excellence set a positive example for those around him.
