1922 – 2013

BANGOR — Ralph E. Goss, 91, of Glenburn, beloved husband of Phyllis A. Goss, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 19, at a Bangor healthcare facility.

He was born Aug. 2, 1922, in Levant, the son of Roy C. “Pop” and Addie (Phillips) Goss.

Following graduation from Bangor High School in 1940, Ralph served in the 97th Infantry Division, stationed in the European Theater of World War II, where he received the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star.

 After Victory in Europe Day, the division was sent to the Pacific and was involved in the occupation of Japan until February 1946. Over the years, he very much enjoyed the 97th Infantry Division reunions that were held throughout the country.

Ralph and Josephine “Jo” Robertson were married in 1944, and together they raised two sons, Jerry and Kevin.

After discharge, Ralph traveled throughout Maine, working for Banks Auto Supply, Automotive Warehouse Distributors in Portland and N.H. Bragg and Sons of Bangor. He retired in 1986 as general sales manager from N. H. Bragg. During his travels involved with his work, he made many lifelong friends.

Ralph and Jo resided in Brewer, where Ralph was active in Brewer Little League, and Babe Ruth League as coach, umpire and President. He was a member of the United Commercial Travelers of America, Bangor Toastmasters, Brewer Recreational Organization and served 10 years on Brewer High School District Trustees. He was also a member of the Glenburn Housing Corp. Ralph was a 50-year member of the Kenduskeag Lodge A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite Bodies, Maine Consistory, Academicians of Anah Shrine and the V.F.W.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Bangor, where he volunteered at the Ecumenical Food Cupboard and My Friend’s Place. He enjoyed crafting in his woodworking shop and has created many fine pieces of furniture and display boxes for friends, family members and the Cole Land Transportation Museum, where he volunteered as a tour guide and WWII Jeep driver in many parades.

Ralph and Phyllis Wardwell were married in 1990. They enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the United States, the Caribbean Islands and many countries. He and Phyllis also enjoyed their membership in the Saturday Nighters and Penobscot Theatre.

Ralph had many true friends and showed concern for their welfare and happiness by frequent calls, emails and visits. 

Surviving are his wife, Phyllis; two sons, Jerry Goss and his wife, Jeanne, of Brewer, and Kevin Goss of Bangor; a daughter, Sharon Lerette and her husband, Donald, of Auburn; grandchildren, Jeff Goss and his wife, Kelley, of Portsmouth, R.I., Jonathan Goss and his wife, Brandy, of Bucksport, Nicole Goss of Bangor, John Goss of Bangor, and Sean Butler and his wife, Sarah, of Gorham; five great-grandchildren, Devin, Andrew, Trent, Addison and Camden; and godson and grandson, Adam.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Josephine, in 1989; brothers, Leon and Owen; and a sister, Ruth Jenness.

He will be sadly missed by his family, friends and his little dog, Misty.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.