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AJ Gooch Obituary
AJ was ordained as a priest of ADF in 2010, current Seneschal of the Shire of East Watch in the SCA (former Seneschal of the Barony of the Cleftlands), an A.C.E. organizer for Starwood Festival, and principle leader of the North East Ohio Drum Jam. Despite physical handicaps, his energy and enthusiasm had a lasting impact on everyone he touched. His departure from the earthly plane has left a void in the hearts of the many who loved him.
AJ is survived by his wife, Stephanie; son, Madoc; daughter, Sydney; mother and stepfather, Jackie and John Szemenyei; stepmother, Denise; brother, Michael and sister, Andrea (Perry) Sundberg. He was preceded in death by his father, Tony.
His family has requested that first energies be put into his mutual passions to keep them alive, but monetary donations be made to one of the organizations that were part of his life, including: tredara.org, stonecreed.org, adf.org, Starwood Festival. Please donate your energy & passions wherever makes sense to you in his honor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for AJ Gooch
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Shawneen
February 27, 2025
I kindle this light in your memory. My tattoo in your honor reminds me to remember you each day.
I miss you my Brother, journey onward!
Gary Jones
December 13, 2021
Your spirit lives within me still to this day old friend and I will never forget how you awoken my abilities by teaching me to know myself.
Seeker
April 19, 2020
This still makes my heart ache and bring tears to my eyes. Old friend you are missed by many. The love you've given all of us and the happiness will never be forgotten. I'm sure most of us will try to live our lives giving that positive attitude to others that you gave to us. I love you
Shawn Scott
February 28, 2020
My beloved Brother, there isn't a day that goes by where upon I don't think of you. My dear heart, I look back on our time together, and can't think of any better interactions! Mi Tres Amigo and Tie Dye Canopy charter member! I love the soul of you, Brother!
Gretchen Steckel
March 8, 2016
So very sorry to learn of the sudden passing of AJ. May the Ancestors welcome him. Healing and Blessings to his family.
Sending my love and condolences to the family at this time of great sorrow. His physical form may be gone for this plane but his spirit is eternal.
Rev Harlan G. Bell Jr
March 8, 2016
March 7, 2016
In memory, in service, in gratitude. You are welcomed to the tribe of honored kin. May you always be remembered in heart and hearth. - Antonyus
Elizabeth Benson-Cox
March 7, 2016
Rodney and I were both so sorry to hear about AJ's passing. He was a good friend and a wonderful person. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. We send our love and deepest sympathy to all the family, and we will always remember him in our hearts.
Shawneen
March 7, 2016
To my amazing, talented, gentle and beautiful Friend. My life has forever been enhanced by our shared time together here in the midrealms. You have taught me much on what it means to be fully present. You will forever be in my thoughts, Brother! ~ Shawneen
In the zone drumming!
Shawneen
March 7, 2016
Michael Kappele
March 7, 2016
To my good Druid Friend A.J. Gooch on his sudden depature to the summer lands, Morrigan/Hel Take this honorable and good man to that place on the other side of the Veil, to the summerlands of the old ways, so he is resting to await the arrival of all of us, let him join the line of his people, and his ansctors that have gone before, my Friend A J its not good bye, but til later, you made the journey all of us must take one day, then again, i will toast with you, and may it come every Samhain. i will leave a place for you at my table and glass of mead and good food, to abid by your council, you have earn your place among the olds ways......SKAL
Tracy Greenberg
March 7, 2016
Though only briefly we passed A.J. taught me how to always smile, laugh, and show kindness through adversity. Oh, and to always have fun, regardless of the circumstances. I already am missing his ever present grin.
Wendy Bailey
March 7, 2016
Jackie and John..... I am so sorry to hear about your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 5, 2016
To the family we are truly sorry for your loss. From the Pittock family
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