Leontin Goman

Leontin Goman was born on March 26, 1946, in Boianu Mare, Bihor County, Romania, to Nicolae and Carolina Goman. One of four brothers; Aurel, Tibi, Ionel, and Leontin; he grew up in a humble farming family. Poverty was a constant reality. He often walked barefoot through harvested cornfields, and serious kidney problems during his youth led to the removal of one kidney. Those early hardships helped shape a lifetime of extraordinary perseverance.

Determined to pursue an education, Leontin attended High School No. 5 in Timișoara and later West University of Timișoara, earning a degree in Mathematics and Physics. He remembered placing his feet in a bucket of cold water during long nights of studying to stay awake. He went on to teach mathematics and physics at the college level, and his love for education never left him.

Around Christmas of 1966, Leontin attended a church service and heard a choir singing. He said the singers looked like angels. The experience ignited a deep passion for God and for sharing the Gospel; a calling that would guide the rest of his life.

He met his beloved wife in 1965 at Fabric Church in Timișoara. They married there in 1968 and built a life rooted in faith, commitment, and family. Together they were blessed with 11 children and 20 grandchildren.

Under Romania’s Communist regime, Leontin refused to join the Communist Party, even though that decision cost him his teaching career and subjected him to political persecution. He continued to preach throughout Romania, standing firmly by his convictions. After more than seven years of seeking permission to emigrate, and after Radio Free Europe publicized his persecution, the family finally received permission to leave. Concerned for their safety, he arranged their departure three days early. The family later learned that authorities had come to their home to arrest them.

In 1984, Leontin arrived in the United States with eight children, 15 pieces of luggage, and a steadfast faith in God's provision. He was ordained as a pastor that same year. He served one of the largest Romanian churches in Los Angeles before moving to the Seattle area in 1988, where he continued pastoring until 2013.

His greatest joy in ministry was leading others to Christ, especially young people. In 1998, his Seattle church experienced a powerful revival in which hundreds of young people came to faith. But his service was just as evident in quiet acts of kindness, including faithfully driving elderly women to church every Sunday when they had no other transportation.

Outside the church, Leontin loved fixing things. He repaired old Oldsmobiles and Chevrolets, worked on home additions, and approached projects with resourcefulness and determination. Though naturally serious, he enjoyed The Simpsons and his son Ben's jokes. His familiar admonition, “Be serious!” became a cherished family expression.

At home, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who emphasized faith, education, hard work, and integrity. His wife treasures their quiet mornings together in slippers and robes, sharing coffee and conversations about life. In his final two years, they often fell asleep singing hymns together.

Leontin faced many trials, including childhood poverty, persecution, cancer, and approximately ten years with Parkinson’s disease. He worked hard to remain active, embracing exercise, cold plunges, and other therapies. Through it all, he demonstrated humility, courage, and remarkable perseverance. His favorite passage of Scripture was Psalm 30.

On October 9, 2026, at the age of 80, Leontin completed his earthly journey. He leaves a legacy of faith in the lives he touched, the people he served, and the family he loved so deeply. He will be remembered as a gifted educator, a courageous pastor, a faithful husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a humble servant of God.

His life was not without hardship, but he remained steadfast in his faith. The love he gave, the values he taught, and the seeds of faith he planted will live on for generations to come.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Forever loved. Forever remembered.