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BORN
1947
DIED
2020
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Joel Goddard Obituary
Born August 18, 1947 in Pittsfield, the son of John and Lucille Goddard, he was a football player and 1965 graduate of Wahconah Regional High School.
Joining the Marine Corp family in 1966, Joel proudly served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter crew chief for HMM361 and was awarded the Purple Heart and a total of 19 air medals; among them the M-14 Marksman Rifleman Badge, Vietnamese Service Medal w/2BS, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Air Crew Insignia w/3 stars, Air Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal w/device, Navy Unit Commendation, and 2 Good Conduct Medals.
Upon his return to the states, he drove from Camp Lejune, NC to Uma, AZ in his bright red with black interior 4 speed 2 bucket seat MG sports car. At the Marine Corp Air Station he became a drill instructor and served on the Marine Corp Search and Rescue Squad; honorable discharging in 1968 as an E-6 Staff Sargent.
After returning home, he married Lynn Taginski of Pittsfield. Their family would live in Dalton where he owned and operated J.D. Goddard Concrete Foundations, Inc. for 25 years. He was employed as a carpenter at Camp Romaca for Girls where he worked for 23 years until the time of his death.
He is survived by his children, Jennifer (Bryan) Conrad of Upton, Justin (Breeann) Goddard of Pittsfield, Brian (Jill) Goddard of Brookline, grandchildren, Bennett, Kellen, Cheyann, Sophie, and Samuel. His twin brother, John, and younger brother Edward Goddard, his Taginski family, four legged friends, Bella and Forrest "Mugsy". Also many nieces and nephews.
Joel is predeceased in death by his friend and former wife, Lynn Mary Taginski Goddard; parents, John and Lucille Goddard; sister, Joanne Monteleone; brother, William M. Goddard and his dog Duker.
Joel's children wish to acknowledge the great care and comfort given to their father by his primary caregivers, Tammy Goddard Pudlo and John "Vosman" Vosburgh, with whom he made his home.
Joel will be remembered for his humor and charisma, hard work, love and service to our country and family, and being a huge Celtics and Larry Bird fan. Most of all, "What's that on your shirt?". Oorah!
FUNERAL NOTICE: Due to the current COVID-19 situation, funeral services and inurnment will be conducted at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Post 65 Vietnam Veterans Association in care of DERY-FOLEY FUNERAL HOME, 890 E. Main St, Dalton, MA 01226.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Goddard
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
Theresa Hawk
April 14, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Goddard
Family. May your sadness be replaced with
the many treasured memories you shared
With love and prayers,
Theresa Hawk
April 13, 2020
Joe and I were friends and WRHS classmates. In late 1969 we packed up and moved to Boston with no jobs and enough money to rent a little apartment in Back Bay. We got jobs, and for 2 years we "lived the life"!! Ultimately, we went our separate ways. He moved back to Berkshire County and I ended up in CT. Many fun memories with a great guy!
RIP, Joe!
Frank Best
April 9, 2020
RIP my lifelong friend. Memories are forever. if this truck could talk.
Rocky Mougin
Dennis Moran
April 8, 2020
I was hit hard when I received the news of Joe's passing. Memories of the times we spent together in classes,sports or just hanging out have occupied the quiet moments of my day.
I was reminded of how often I remembered Joe putting the needs of family,friends and complete strangers before his own. He never had the need to be recognized as a star player, a hero or the most popular guy in town -- he just earned the respect of others by being himself!
Most people knew Joe as a personable, fun loving soul, but when it was called for Joe was one of the toughest guys I knew. He was competitive, disciplined, and fearless,so it was not surprising that these qualities would carry him to success as a star football player at WRHS, and a decorated Marine Corp veteran.
I will think of him often, and may he rest in peace
Tom Maxwell
April 8, 2020
My condolences to the entire Goddard family, especially his brothers John and Eddie, who I also grew up with as a kid in Hinsdale. I am so sorry to hear of his death.
Safe Journey - Peace
Allen Freshler
April 8, 2020
Dear Goddard Family; Very sorry to read and reflect on a pillar of the Hinsdale community. Joel was always great fun to be around, wonderful hearty laughs at every turn. He enjoyed everything he did. Joel played in our Sunday morning basketball games at Kittredge. Not the fastest but certainly held his ground and make the right plays for his team and country with his later marine service. I have fond memories of the family and the key lot they occupied at the only traffic light in the town. We need more people like Joel.
Pam Brennan
April 8, 2020
Dear Justin and Brian,
Sending sympathy and prayer in the loss of your dad. I never met him, but he had to be a great man to have such wonderful sons.
Sorry there are no calling hours as I would love to see you again!
Remembering you both with much affection. You were the best.
Mrs. Pam Brennan
Jean and John Turner
April 7, 2020
John, Eddie, Justin, Jennifer, Brian and the Taginski family.
John and I were saddened to read of Joel's passing. May your many memories of all the happy times comfort you.
Jim Reid
April 7, 2020
When a man marries he has a Best Man. I was proud to have the very Best Man at my side. The end of the second verse of the Marine Corp Hymn states: "If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven's scenes, they will find the street are guarded by United States Marines." The streets of Heaven are much safer now. God Bless you my friend and if you get hungry at days end I'm sure Nancy will be happy to take care of you. Love You Man.
April 7, 2020
I have so many fond memories of and with all the Goddards I wish you REST IN PEACE Marine OOHRAQ
Bob Malone
April 7, 2020
I will always remember my good friends Lynn and Joe. We shared many years of good times.
Lorraine Porter
Jim & Gail Crosier
April 7, 2020
To the Goddard family Johnny & Eddie
Our condolences for your loss. Joel was the real deal and will be missed by all who knew him. There is sadness for the loss of a friend. There is gladness for the memories we shared. RIP Buddy..
Peter White
April 7, 2020
I'm really sorry to read this. What an amazing legacy Joel is and will always be.
A nicer guy is hard to find. He is in many friends' memories and that includes mine.
Condolences to his family.
April 7, 2020
I will always remember my good friends Joe and Lynn. We had so many great times in our younger years.
Thom & Laura Snyder
April 7, 2020
Sad to hear of Joe's passing. He was always a good natured friend and adversary from grade school through high school. Thank you for your sevice Joe.
Henry Frydel
April 7, 2020
Joel and I went through Marine recruit training together at Parris Island in the summer of 1965. In 1966, we served with different units of the First Marine Air Wing in Vietnam.
Rest in Peace, fellow Nam Vet, and Semper Fi!
In Sympathy,
Former Sgt. Hank Frydel
Paul Casey
April 7, 2020
Dear Goddard Family
Joel was a great member of the WRHS Class of 65. He was a super team mate and when I visited Dalton, I would see him and have some great memories. He had a great sense of humor, a hard worker and a great man. Sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you during these times.
April 7, 2020
I have great memories of working with Joel at the camp in the summer. He was all smiles, such a funny guy, loved to talk about anything and everything, and loved the local Polish picnic! Condolences to his family, and nothing but great memories here
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