Joanne Goff

1936 - 2015

Joanne Goff

1936 - 2015 WILLIAMSTOWN Joanne Elizabeth Goff, 79, of Williamstown, a long-time business owner, died following complications related to Alzheimers. Joanne was born in Johnstown, PA, October 18, 1936. She was the daughter of Vincenzo James and Rosella Biandino. After graduating from high school in 1954, she worked in Johnstown, and married Rudy Goff in 1956. They traveled between Rudy's assistant golf pro jobs in Florida and Ohio, and had daughters, Becky and Sherry during this time. In 1961, the family moved to Stockbridge where Rudy was golf professional at Stockbridge Golf Course. During this time, Joanne and Rudy had sons, Bruce and Jim. Rudy quickly established himself as a top professional golfer in Berkshire County and was hired in 1964 to become golf professional at Taconic Golf Club, and coach of the Williams College Golf Team, positions he served in for 20 years. Rudy was an accomplished player and well-loved coach, instructor, and club pro. In 1968, Joanne and Rudy bought property on Stone Hill in Williamstown. This became a special family place in the country where they lived for 25 years. Also in 1968, Joanne and Rudy made a bold move to buy the Dempsey Building and the Williams College Pharmacy on Spring Street. The building and business were clearly "not for sale," but the owner liked the young couple and eventually sold. The Pharmacy was gradually converted to Goff's Sports. As Rudy was busy with golf at Taconic and Williams for much of the year, Joanne took primary responsibility for running Goff's Sports. She was very much hands on, and a hard worker. She had a flair for style, knowing what would sell, and drove much of the store's offerings. In addition to sporting goods, Goff's Sports sold Williams apparel. Sensing an opportunity, Joanne led the expansion of the store and the creation of the Williams Shop in 1984, which focused on selling apparel and just about anything with "Williams" on it to alumni, families and students. This became the primary focus of the business with Joanne as its key driver. Rudy died in 1990 at age 55. Joanne later transitioned the business to son, Bruce, in 1995 who continues to own and operate the family business. Joanne leaves two daughters, Rebecca Goff Stillman of Hubbardston, and Sherry Jean Goff of Hilton Head, SC; two sons, Bruce Goff of Williamstown, and James "Jim" Goff of Evergreen, Colorado; Ed Dinowitz, her long-time companion, a sister, Mary Kanuch of Johnstown, PA; 12 grandchildren, Jamie, Jonathan and Libby Stillman, Kim, Dylan and Rudy Goff, Lincoln, Morgan and Gates Lucas, and Taylor, Rudy and Graylen Goff; and four greatgrandchildren, Madison, Patrick and Julia Ross, and Jack Ciempa. FUNERAL NOTICE: A liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 9a.m. at St.'s Patrick & Raphael Church, Williamstown. Burial will follow in Eastlawn Cemetery in Williamstown. Calling hours at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA are Thursday from 4 to 7p.m. To send a card or a message, please visit : www.flynndagnolifuneralh omes.com