Andre Goineau

Andre M. Goineau, 80, passed away on Sunday, November 7, 2021. Born in Bourg-en-Bresse, France, he was the son of the late Rene and Louise Margot Goineau.

He came to the United States in 1967 with a scholarship in chemistry as a foreign exchange student. He was hosted by and became part of the Jones Family in Ashland, Virginia. He later attended NC State and obtained a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.

Afterwards, he spent time working in Boston, Massachusetts in a research lab where he had the privilege of meeting a Romanian scientist who would introduce him to his wife, Raluca. Upon being offered a job by Milliken & Company, Andre and Raluca established roots in Spartanburg, SC. Andre was an active member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. He was employed by Milliken and worked in its research center for 33 years during which time he developed numerous innovations, including 30 patented innovations.

Along with his wife, he was the SC State director of the NACEL foreign student exchange student program. A program that gave thousands of students from France, Spain and Germany the opportunity to experience daily American family life. Upon retirement, he pursued his dream of helping others and obtained his RN credentials in Nursing from Greenville Technical College.

Andre will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, young spirit, love for others, problem-solving mind, and relentless determination. There was nothing he could not conquer when he wanted to.

He was a loving husband and father and will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Raluca Artimon Goineau; his daughters, Nadia Aram (Rich) and Caroline Helems (Terry); five grandchildren; two sisters, three brothers and numerous nieces and nephews in France; cousins; a cat and assorted grand pets.

A Visitation will be from 4:00 - 4:45 PM on Friday, November 12, 2021 at Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel, 235 N. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306. A Funeral service will be held at 5:00 PM at the chapel, conducted by The Rev. David R. Whitman.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church at 161 N. Dean Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or St. Paul Catholic School at 152 Alabama Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302.

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel