David C. Gould

David C. Gould, 84, died peacefully at sunrise at Connecticut Hospice on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, after a short stay following a heroic battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Virginia "Ginny" (Parente) Gould of Hamden, CT; his son, David V. Gould of North Haven, CT; his daughter, Karin M. Gould, of New Haven, CT; and his brother, Kenneth J. (Maria) Gould.
Born February 9, 1940 in New Haven CT to Andrew and Margaret (Cox) Gould, Dave, "Whitey," grew up in the Montowese section of his beloved North Haven, CT, where he developed a life-long passion for sports, nature, and service to others.
Dave graduated from North Haven High School in 1958, where he lettered all four years in baseball and three years in football. He was a charter member of the Varsity Club, senior class treasurer, and played trumpet in the band and orchestra and bugle during Memorial Day celebrations. On the gridiron, Dave distinguished himself as an outstanding quarterback, throwing over 1100 yards and twelve touchdown passes (the best in Connecticut in 1957). He also threw three scoring passes in four minutes to defeat the previously undefeated Branford his senior year. During his last high school game, Dave's golden arm, sure handed receivers, and determined defense, did what no other North Haven team had done, beat East Haven for the first time in NHHS football history. In recognition of his sportsmanship, he was a recipient of the Savitt Jewelers Award. In 2007, he was inducted into the North Haven High School Sports Hall of Fame.
As a Boy Scout, Dave achieved the highest rank, Eagle Scout. Taking to heart the principles of the Scout oath, law, motto, slogan, and outdoor code, he became a Scout mentor and leader in Durham, CT, where he and his wife raised their children. Over the years, Dave volunteered many hours to various organizations. He was a coach for the first North Haven midget football team; a charter member, president, and state director of the North Haven Jaycees; a DeMolay Master Councilor; a 32nd degree Mason and Chaplin at the Corinthian Lodge No. 63; a coach and league official for youth baseball, softball, and basketball; a department head at the Durham Fair; a leading state fundraiser for the Connecticut Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's annual MS Walk; and a member of Men's Fellowship at North Haven Congregational Church.
Dave's professional career was in the insurance industry. He met his wife, Ginny, while working at Nationwide Insurance, and also worked at The Equitable, and Group Insurance Associates. He enjoyed spending summers with his family on Cape Cod, long walks in the woods, fishing, avidly following UConn women's and men's basketball, traveling with family and friends, and reminiscing about the good old days over coffee and donuts with life-long pals.
Visiting hours will be held Monday, June 24, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT, followed by Funeral Services with Masonic Rites at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations in Dave's memory be made to the Sleeping Giant Park Association at .