Ludwik Goscinski

SOMERSWORTH — Ludwik Chester Goscinski passed away peacefully on Monday, March 21, 2011, after a period of failing health surrounded by his loving family.

"Lou" was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on July 25, 1919. He was the son of Joseph and Lydia Goscinski (Symanski) of Warsaw, Poland. He was a lifelong resident of Dover, having lived at Langdon Place in recent years. He was a communicant of St. Joseph Church in Dover.

Lou served his country proudly in World War II and the Korean conflict. He was humbled by his service and was cautious to speak openly about it. Lou was a private in the U.S. Army for three years. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving 17 years and reaching the rank of Chief Boatswain's Mate. Lou served aboard the USS New Jersey and the USS Apache. While aboard the Apache, he was wounded fighting a ship's fire and received commendations for his heroism.

In 1955, while stationed at the Naval Base in Portsmouth, N.H., Lou received a meritorious performance of duty commendation for leading the rescue of the 53-foot schooner "Adventurer" in gale-force winds. He also served for the United Nations and was the "Skipper" of a tugboat while stationed in the Philippines. Lou was a member of the Disabled American Veterans. After his retirement from military service, he worked as a pipe fitter at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Lou was a member of the Dover Lodge of Elks. He loved Polka music, dancing and singing. His hero was Pope John Paul II.

He was known for his preparation of meals associated with his Polish heritage. Over the past few years he appreciated the wonderful care provided to him by the nursing staffs at Langdon Place, Strafford County Dialysis and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.

Most of all Lou loved spending time with his six children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He treasured family events and all the special moments they brought him. All loved his humor and outgoing personality. They will be greatly missed.

Lou leaves behind his daughters, Cheryl Goscinski-Drew and husband, Fredrick Drew of Barrington, Karin Goscinski-Breton, husband, Darrel Breton, son, Logan, of Somersworth, and daughter, Ashley Spence of South Berwick, Debra Goscinski of Dover; three sons, Louis Goscinski, wife, Donna, their three children, James, Marilyn and Anna of Strafford, William Goscinski, wife, Beth, their two children, Amanda and Lukas, of Somersworth, and son, Lawrence Lytle, wife, Rita, their two children, Erica and Brandon of Raleigh, N.C.

Other family members include his great-grandchildren, Grey Lytle, Emma Stietenroth, and Avery Spence; two brothers, Lawrence Goscinski of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Charles Goscinski of Floral Park, N.Y.; and several nephews and nieces.

His parents and two sisters, Helen Goscinski and Lucy Davidson, predeceased him.

Lou also leaves behind Gabrielle Fortier, who had been a companion of his for 28 years and his dear friend, Betty Galt, both of Dover.

Lou's wake will be held at the Wiggin-Purdy-McCooey-Dion Funeral Home at 655 Central Ave. in Dover. Calling hours will be held Friday, March 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Mass and celebration of Lou's life will be held on Saturday, March 26 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church located at 155 Central Ave. in Dover. Lou's ashes will be placed in the Columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Lou has requested donations in his name be made to Strafford County Patient's Services Fund at 27 Sterling Drive, Rochester, NH 03867. The funds will be used to support dialysis patients.

To sign our online guest book, please go to www.purdyfuneralservice.com.

@Online guest book:Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.