Myron "Van" Gould

1934 - 2026

Myron "Van" Gould
It is with fond memories that we announce the passing of Myron Van Sickle Gould (Van), beloved husband of Rita D'Apice Gould, who passed away peacefully on January 2026. Only child of the late Myron Hardy and Margery Hollman Gould, "Van" as all knew him, was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 27, 1934, and after moving to various states for his father's metallurgical engineering positions during WWII, he spent most of his youth in Easton, CT. Van graduated from Newtown High School, attended the University of Connecticut and graduated from Fairfield University. He spent his adult life in the field of aerospace as a technical writer. He worked for Avco, Division of Lycoming Manufacturing on the Minute Man rocket; Kaman Aviation on military helicopters and Pratt and Whitney Aircraft, on commercial and military plane engines, including the SR 71 "Blackbird" spy plane. He retired from Pratt as a Documentation Engineer. Van had many interests and was often referred to as being "eclectic." He played basketball, softball and baseball in his youth and coached basketball and Little League in Easton. He was a fan of the NY Giants and Mets (when they were winning), and UCONN basketball teams. Van was a voracious reader, often reading two e-books at the same time. He enjoyed traveling with Rita and good friends to many attractions in the U. S. and abroad. Alaska was his favorite. He enjoyed riding his motorcycles and restoring his 1969 MGB. Van collected pre- and post-war Lionel trains and built a large train layout in his home's basement with all the trimmings, including many buildings, scenery and a double decker outhouse with "guests" on top and "politicians" on the bottom, which delighted young and old alike.
Van was a member of the MGB Drivers Club and the North American MGB Register. He had an in-depth knowledge of World War II, its major battles and every plane, including its emblem and date of assignment. Van also collected antique guns and rifles, dating to the 1800s.
He served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army as a radio operator during the Korean War. He and Rita rehabbed homes in New Haven with Ameri-Cares and helped build them for Habitat for Humanity. Van also delivered Meals on Wheels for 12 years to Killingworth residents. He played the banjo and enjoyed Irish folk, bluegrass and zydeco music.
His younger son, Randall, his brother in-law, Joseph D'Apice, MD, nephew Anthony J. D'Apice (AJ) and niece, Ann D'Apice predeceased him.
Van leaves to mourn his memory, his loving wife, Rita, his children, Douglas of Colorado, Amy Amedy, and granddaughter Annabelle Gould of Florida, who he loved unconditionally. He will fondly be remembered by his sister-in-law, Cecilia D'Apice of Fairfield and three nieces, and their families, who loved Uncle Van very much: Mary D'Apice (Yoshi Ogawa) and Aya; Martha (Martie) D'Apice (John Banks) and Lucas; Jennie D'Apice (AJ) and Allison, Evelyn, Henry and Leo.
A Remembrance Gathering will begin at 12:00 pm on Sunday, January 25 with a service to follow at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Rd., Madison, CT. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Green Hill Rd., Killingworth with military honors at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, consider sending a donation to Meals on Wheels, Estuary Regional Senior Center, 220 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT 06475 in Van's name or a military charity of your choice.