George Goward

1927 - 2025

George Goward
George William (Bill) Goward died of natural causes at Harbor Chase in Branford, CT, on September 11, 2025. He was preceded in death by: beloved wife, Helene Tremaine Goward, together they celebrated 70 years of marriage; brother, Robert Charles Goward; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Martha MacRae.
Bill was born May 31st, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, then in his early teens migrated to Alberta, Canada. He earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Alberta (Graduated Magna Cum Laude). He and Helene married in 1950, then moved to the States to complete his post graduate work earning his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Princeton University. They lived for three years in Princeton, NJ, seven years in Pittsburgh, PA, and for the rest of their lives in North Haven and Clinton, CT. In Pittsburgh, Bill worked for Westinghouse Corporation on the chemistry of nuclear fuels for the first nuclear powered submarine, the Nautilus. In 1962, the family moved to Connecticut, where Bill worked at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in North Haven. Bill specialized and became an expert in high temperature coatings for jet and related engines. After many years at Pratt, he moved to Turbine Coatings Corp. in Branford, CT. Bill was also a member of Society of Sigma X, American Society of Materials, and American Association for Advancement of Science. Bill also had numerous technical publications and patents.
Bill was also a long-time member of The Unitarian Society of New Haven, serving in many roles, such as President of the Board of Trustees and created a legacy fund to support the church in perpetuity. Through the church they also were members of an extended family group, which covered close to fifty years of Christmas, Thanksgiving, and fourth of July celebrations.
As passionate sailors, Helene and Bill explored most of the east coast, including a sailing trip from Connecticut to the Bahamas and back, and many adventures on the Erie and Champlain Canals.
Bill is survived by his five children: Beverly Adams in Lynchburg, VA, Kathleen Goward in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, William Goward (Marilyn) in Antioch CA, Janice Goward-Cruz (Luis) in Wallingford, CT, and James Goward in Branford, CT. His grandchildren are Nicole Andrews (Steve) in El Dorado Hills, CA, Ryan Heffernan (Karyn) in Madison, CT, Christopher Goward (Roxanne) in Antioch, CA, Shane Heffernan in Clinton, CT, Olivia Heffernan (Ike), West Haven, CT; and stepchildren from blended family (Luis and Janice) Alberto Cruz (Rachel) in Suzhou, China, and Elizabeth (Kim) in Burnsville, MN (Luis and Janice). His eleven great grandchildren and step-grandchildren include Andrew and Tyler (Chris and Roxanne) in Antioch, CA, Adelina and Charlotte (Nicole and Steve) in El Dorado Hills, CA, and Sloane and Sadie (Ryan and Karyn) in Madison, CT, Daxon and Halo (Ike and Olivia) in West Haven, CT, Sophia and Elise (Alberto and Rachel) in Suzhou, China. He is also survived by relatives in Canada, including Helene's nieces, Marlene Van Deurzen (Frank), Jean Van Deurzen (Gerard), Betty; and nephew, David MacRae (Michelle); their children and grandchildren.
A special PAWS up to Tigger2, the cat, who was Dad's constant companion.
The memorial service will be held later at The Unitarian Society of New Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Connecticut Food Bank.