Richard H. Goddard

Richard H. Goddard Jr., 84, of Punta Gorda, FL, formerly of Ocean City, NJ, passed away May 10, 2012 after a long brave struggle with ill health at the Charlotte Regional Medical Center in Punta Gorda. Dick was born November 6, 1927 in Philadelphia, PA. He was a boy scout in Troop 47 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Philadelphia. He served in the United States Navy on the USS Floyd B. Parks in the Far East shortly after WWII. A graduate of Temple University, Dick was a Project Engineer for Gulf Oil and then Sun Oil Company and upon retiring, served for one year as the United Way Coordinator for Sun Oil. For five years he served as President of the Marple Junior Tigers Football League. Dick was a board member of the Ocean City Yacht Club and social event chairman for 8 years. For over 50 years, Dick was a Mason and a Shriner. A Florida resident since 1987, he belonged to the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church in Punta Gorda where he served for a time as church historian. He was also an associate member of St. Peters United Methodist Church in Ocean City, NJ.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Emma May (nee Bruce) Goddard and his children Kathryn Doms (Robert), Bruce (Debra) and Marianne Ruffini. He had 7 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.

The visitation will be from 10:00 am till 11:00 am, Monday May 21, 2012 at the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33955. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 am, Monday at the church with the Rev Tim Stewart officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church in memory of Dick.