Jan. 2, 1940 — Nov. 19, 2014

Robert “Bob” Goddard, 74, passed away at his home in Corona, California, on Nov. 19, 2014, following a valiant fight with mesothelioma.

Bob was born Jan. 2, 1940, in Morrisville, Vermont, the son of Dr. Glendon Goddard and Ruth Loucille Morrill. His mother died soon thereafter.

Bob and his family moved from Sault St. Marie to Niles in 1956. He was an avid athlete throughout school, excelling in both basketball and track. Following his graduation from Niles High School in 1957, Bob joined the U.S. Marines Corps where he served a total of 22 years, retiring as a highly decorated gunnery sergeant in 1979. His military duties took him to Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Santo Domingo and Spain. He continued playing basketball for the Marines throughout this time.

He retired in 2000 from Certified Grocers of California. Bob loved gardening, fishing, hiking, playing horseshoes, watching his grandsons’ basketball games and reading a good Western. More than anything, he was devoted to his large family and was always a pillar of strength to them.

He survived by his wife, Maria-Pilar; his four children, Sally (Larri) Palmer, Patricia Fair, Ricardo Jose, and Dominique (Mark) Almeida; eight grandchildren; two sisters, Sally Goddard of Plainwell and Betty (Carl) Holibaugh of Battle Creek; many cousins; nieces; and nephews.

This gentle giant was extremely patriotic and proud of his years of military service. His motto was always “God, family and country.” His internment with full military honors was held Dec. 2, 2014, at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, California 92518. Messages of condolence may be posted on the website of Thomas Miller Mortuary of Corona, California.