William H. Goetz, 94, of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts died Sunday, January 5, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a brief illness.
Born in Evanston, Illinois on May 31, 1930, ‘Bill’ graduated from Chicago’s Lakeview High School in 1947 and enlisted in the US Coast Guard. He rose through the enlisted ranks, completed officer candidate school first in his class, and retired a Commander and Commanding Officer (captain) of New Bedford’s USCGC Vigilant in 1976.
He met Elizabeth Oliver, the love of his life, in 1948 while stationed in Nantucket, Massachusetts. They married on June 7, 1950 and had recently celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary in 2024.
Bill loved baseball, especially the Chicago Cubs, and was an excellent golfer and bowler. He served for many years as treasurer of the Mattapoisett Lions Club. He was happiest, however, in his role as family patriarch. He led by example, always encouraging his sons, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in everything they did. He also was fun loving and a master joke teller. His warmth was felt by everyone around him, including nearly three dozen nieces and nephews, and he always was available to lend a helping hand.
He is survived by his wife Betty; sons Michael (Suzanne) of Manville, Rhode Island and Stephen (Carol) of Deer Isle, Maine; grandchildren Rebecca, Sarah, Michelle (Chad), and Joseph (Meghann); and great grandchildren, Owen, William, and Allison.
He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Elsie Goetz, and brother Paul Goetz.
His Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 11:30 am at St. Anthony’s Church, 22 Barstow St., Mattapoisett, with everyone meeting directly at Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Monday, January 20th from 4-7 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s honor to either the charity of their choice or the St. Vincent dePaul Society of St. Anthony’s Church, 22 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.
