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Alvah Jay Goss, 93, went to be with the Lord, on Friday, February 17, 2017 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was born in Malden, MA and grew up in Springfield, MA moving to Ware thirteen years ago. He was known for his rendition of the Lord’s Prayer in Indian sign language that he learned in Boy Scouts that he has done for fifty-five years in various churches, clubs, schools and different organizations. Alvah was involved in scouting for over thirty years. He served as a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Navy from 1941 to 1945. He fought two wars in both the European and Pacific theatres. He took part in ten major battles including: Convoys in the North Atlantic, Invasion of North Africa Casablanca, Guam, Formosa, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, the Philippine Liberation and the battle of Leyte Gulf. He was given an honorable discharge and a good conduct medal and had the privilege of being on the Honor Flight of New England to Washington, DC in 2015. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church in South Hadley. He loved doing woodcarving with his grandson Ryan. They were very close and had a good relationship with the Lord. Alvah spent his career upholstering furniture at Holyoke Creative Arts in Holyoke and he retired from Hampden county. He was a passionate loving father and found happiness in family gatherings and vacations. He was loved and will be missed by many. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley Jean (Dexter) Goss in 2009 and a son, George Jay Goss in 2003. He leaves a son and his fiancé, Scott Goss and Lori Gates of Chicopee, and a daughter, Robin Maslak and a grandson, Ryan Maslak, whom he loved very much as his son, both of Ware. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. The service will be Thursday at 10am at the Chapel of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street in Agawam. Contributions may be made in Alvah’s memory to Baystate Visiting Nurse & Hospice Association, 50 Maple Street, Springfield, MA 01102. CURRAN-O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family.
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God bless you mr Goss
Perry Dow
March 9, 2017
Rip Mr. Goss. My son Justin and I will miss you dearly. I remember you always gave my son toys from McDonald's. I met you when I first moved to hillside village. You are gone but never forgotten. Thanks for being the best neighbor. I will never forget you. May you rip and we love you. I will see you one day again. Justin says he misses you so much. We will send a balloon to you.
Cheryl Desorcy
March 1, 2017
Scott and Robin sorry for your loss. I remember your dad always telling us jokes when we were kids. Kevin K.
February 20, 2017
Our condolences, Robin & Ryan. So sorry. He was truly the last of that great family. And, a great and honored US Navy WWII Veteran. Sorry we couldn't get up there to see him.
Gilbert Bristol
February 20, 2017
Al taught me to reupholster at the Holyoke Home Information Center for several years. He was full of energy, good humor, and knowledge, and always very kind to me. I was one of many students in Al's fan club.
Every year when the snow started to melt he would proudly boast about seeing the first robin of the season. It took me a few years to figure out that he was referring to his daughter. But I always expressed amazement and then guffawed, even when he knew that I knew his punch line.
Al, rest in peace. Yesterday I saw a robin, a real robin, and thought of you and your family!
Edwina Cruise
February 20, 2017
Dear Robin and Ryan, I am saddened to hear of the passing of your Dad and grandfather. It is truly the end of an era as Uncle Alvah was the last of his siblings to pass. I truly believe that when you make it to age 93 that despite your sadness, this should be a celebration. We have lost one more from the greatest generation. His country called and a young man of 18 answered with his service. I so enjoyed the photos from the VIP trip to DC and the World War II Memorial there. May you both find comfort in the love and memories you shared together.
Bill Bristol
February 20, 2017
Bill Bristol
February 20, 2017
Scott,Robin Sorry to hear about Your Loss. RB Jr.
February 20, 2017
For you Uncle Al I love you John and Susan Spencer
February 20, 2017
My Uncle Al. your simply the best. I love you so much. You were part of taking care of me, you and Aunt Shirley.I loved the name you gave me Sister two feathers. Your my life time of memories.I will miss my President of the Muscle club The LORD took another Angel home. I love you.
February 20, 2017
Debbie Phillips
February 20, 2017
so sorry for your loss and I know how hard it must be for all of you. God's Blessings to you.
Sharon Goss
February 19, 2017
God Bless Uncle Al.Great man and wonderful father to his family.The world has lost a beautiful soul.Love to my Cousin Robin give her strength to get thru this sad time.Aunt Shirley will be happy to see him.Love, Carol Dexter Marshall
carol marshall
February 19, 2017
Robin, Scott, & Ryan,
We are very sorry to hear of the loss of Uncle Al. He was truly one of the "greatest generation". We were honored to attend his 90th birthday party and always enjoyed his company. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Tom & Donna Trites
February 19, 2017
He was always smiling. And no matter how badly he was feeling, He always tried to lift the spirits of those around him with humor and love. Even though he is in a better place now, he will be missed by those of us who knew him and loved him.
Debbie Phillips
Family
February 20, 2017
A great man loved by all Mildred Hiersche
February 19, 2017
Thank you so much for your service, may you R.I.P., and sympathy to the family.
February 19, 2017
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