Floyd Warne Gooch Jr.

BARNSTABLE —

Retired Navy Capt. Floyd Warne Gooch Jr., a native of Joplin, Mo., passed away on Nov. 24, 2007.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ethel Schall Gooch, and his children, Diane S. Gooch, Floyd Warne Gooch III and his wife, Kathy Gooch, nee Harrington, and his sister, Rosemary Stone.

He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in petroleum engineering from the University of Oklahoma and also attended the Postgraduate School at Annapolis, Md., and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Washington, D.C. He entered the Navy in 1941 in the submarine service.

During World War II, he served with distinction and saw service in several submarines, completing 10 submarine war patrols in the Pacific area. During this period, he received the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal with Combat V, Commendation Medal with Gold Star and Combat V, in addition to numerous other medals and commendations for his military service.

His other Navy assignments included duty at Elks Hills Naval Petroleum Reserve, head of the Launching and Handling Branch, Special Project Office, Bureau of Ordnance, Washington, D.C., where he was responsible for managing the development and procurement program for the Polaris Launching System. Capt. Gooch culminated his Navy service as commander of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

Upon his retirement from the Navy, Capt. Gooch was one of the founders and the executive vice president of SEACOR (Systems Engineering Associates) in Cherry Hill, N.J.

In 1987, Capt. Gooch made his permanent residence in Barnstable. He was a volunteer with the Tales of Cape Cod and Meals on Wheels, and an active member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church. He pursued his passion for gardening, both at the church and in his home.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Nov. 30, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Barnstable Village, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary's Garden Fund.

Doane, Beal & Ames

508-775-0684