Paul E. Goddu, Sr.

HOLYOKE:  Paul E Goddu Sr., a.k.a. “Poppa” and “G-Pop” to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the theatre arts students he mentored. Paul, husband of Rose Marie Giannini Goddu (1927-2001) completed his life at Hospice of the Fisher Home, Amherst, MA in the presence of family on Friday, September 4, 2020. Paul was born October 19, 1925 in Holyoke, son of Adgitor Goddu and Anna Brouillet Goddu, both of Holyoke MA. Paul was working at the American Thread Company of Holyoke when he met his forever bride Rose Marie Giannini. Paul joined the Holyoke Gas and Electric after attending Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. He retired after 34 years of dedicated service.  A humble patriot, Paul was an Army veteran, 69th Infantry, 2nd Division. He volunteered for service in World War II and was recalled for the Korean Conflict. He remained close to several fellow servicemen with whom he had proudly served. Paul and his late wife, Rose Marie, were lifelong residents of Holyoke, MA. After spending the early years of their marriage on Oak Street, they moved to Laurel Street with their three small children. This address was his home for 62 years. Blessed Sacrament was the spiritual cornerstone of Paul and Rose Marie’s family life as communicants, parishioners and later, for Paul, as an adult altar server at daily morning mass. It was a joy for them to see both their children and grandchildren educated at Blessed Sacrament School and Holyoke Catholic High School. Paul spent years volunteering for the HCHS Performing Arts Club, working closely with his cherished friend and caring physician Frank Croke and supporting the students in creating stage sets and lighting. Paul moved to Providence Place in 2018 and spent his last two years enjoying new friendships in this supportive and caring community. Paul was predeceased by the love of his life, Rose Marie Gianinni Goddu, older brother George Goddu and George’s wife, Patricia.  Paul is survived by his loving children, Paul Goddu Jr. and wife, Clare, of Brewster, MA; William Goddu and husband, Paul, of Tucson, AZ; and Rosemarie Goddu Smith and husband, Brian, of Holyoke, MA. “Poppa” is survived by his devoted grandchildren Daniel Gardner and wife, Leah; Amanda Goddu Tetreault and husband, Todd; Timothy Goddu and wife, Kayla; Adam Goddu; and Brendan Smith and wife, Natalie. “G-Pop” is survived by his adoring great-grandchildren Annabelle, Grace, Lily and Sadie Tetreault, and Carolyn and Everett Smith.  Paul also leaves many loving family members, including sister-in-law Patricia Giannini Jackowski, brother-in-law Joseph Giannini and wife Ginny, cousins Rose Granado and husband Mike, and the many nieces and nephews of the Goddu, Jackowski and Lauzier families. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Paul on Friday, September 11th at 11:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street. Calling hours will be held prior from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street. Interment will follow immediately at St. Jerome’s Cemetery, Northampton Street, Holyoke. MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIRED. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to the Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002.

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