CHICOPEE ~ Brian E. Goddu, 68, of the Aldenville section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Thursday, June 28, 2018. He entered into Eternal Life at home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving wife, Mary. He was born in Holyoke on October 13, 1949, a beloved son of the late Harold E. and Margaret M. (Carr) Goddu. He was raised in Chicopee, graduated from Chicopee Vocational High School and was a lifelong resident of Chicopee. Brian served his country in the United States Air National Guard for over 26 years and attained the rank of Master Sergeant. He was employed as a driver for Westside Finishing Company in Holyoke. An avid runner, Brian was a member of the Greater Springfield Harriers Club and a longtime member of the YMCA in Springfield. He ran in over 50 marathons including 16 Boston Marathons. If Brian wasn’t running, he could always be found cutting his beautifully manicured lawn on his lawn tractor or helping his wife, Mary, maintain their beautiful yard in Aldenville. When he wasn’t at home, he could often be found throwing free stones, rocks and boulders for their landscaping into the bed of his pick-up truck. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and his many friends. Brian leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Mary C. (Kurtz) Goddu. They were married on May 15, 1971 at Saint George Church in the Chicopee Falls section of Chicopee and were blessed with over 47 years of happiness together. He also leaves his four dear sisters, Gail Bernier and her husband, Gerry, and Janice Breyare and her husband, Arthur, all of Chicopee, Barbara Bassett of Glendora, NJ and Frances Goddu of New York, NY; his brother, James Goddu of Springfield; his dear sister-in-law, Barbara Ringuette of Chicopee; his dear godson, Douglas Bernier of Agawam; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Goddu and Kurtz families. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his dear nephew and godson, Joseph “Sean” McCurdy who was Called Home on November 12, 2003; and his dear brother-in-law, Rosaire J. “Joe” Ringuette who was Called Home on July 21, 2006. Brian will also be sadly missed by his beloved canine companion, their family Chinese Crested dog “Precious”. Family and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Prayer Service with United States Air Force Military Honors on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 11:45 a.m. at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. At Brian’s request, there are no visiting hours. His Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made in Brian’s memory to the Dakin Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101-6307. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
