Robert “Bob” Goddard

Robert “Bob” Goddard, 74, left us on November 19, 2014, with his family by his side in Corona, California. Bob was born January 2, 1940, in Morrisville, Vermont to Glendon and Loucille Goddard. His father was a Doctor in Morrisville and his mother was an accomplished piano player and playwright. Both grew up in Vermont. Sadly, his mother died a week after he was born due to complications from childbirth. Bob spent summers at his Nana and Granddads cabin in Johnson, Vermont, which was a haven for him and a place to spend time with his cousins. His father, stepmother and two sisters moved to Michigan in 1949. He graduated from Niles High School in Niles, Michigan and was an avid athlete, playing basketball and football. Bob joined the Marine Corps immediately after graduating. His tour of duties took him to many countries. It was in Spain where he met Maria-Pilar “Pili” Chain Marquez at a small restaurant in Cadiz. Less than a year later, they were married in Seville, Spain on September 28, 1963. The Marine Corps then took Bob and his new bride to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Within a year, their first born, Sally Lucille joined the family. A second daughter, Patricia Anna was born 13 months later. In September 1965, Bob served a tour in Vietnam. His tour of duties included Japan, Korea, Spain, Santo Domingo, and Vietnam. The family moved from North Carolina to Southern California in 1967. A son, Ricardo Jose was born in 1968 and 6 years later, their third daughter, Dominique Chantal. Bob was an active member of St. Matthew Church in Corona and enjoyed being a part of the different festivities throughout the year. Bob served a total of 22 years in the Marine Corps; 11 Active and 11 Reserve. He retired in 1987 as a highly decorated Gunnery Sergeant. He was extremely patriotic and incredibly proud of his years of service. His motto was always God, Family, and Country. He retired in 2000 from Certified Grocers of California after 32 years. His other interests included gardening, watching Westerns, reading, going to his grandsons basketball games, and spending time with his grandchildren. More than anything, he devoted his time and energy to his family and was always the pillar of strength for them. Mr. Goddard is survived by his wife, Maria-Pilar Goddard; sisters Sally Goddard and Betty Holibough; three daughters and a son, Sally Palmer, Patricia Fair, Rick Goddard, and Dominique Almeida; their spouses, Larri Palmer, Antwon Fair, Letty Goddard and Mark Almeida; eight grandchildren, Kevin, Sarah, Alexis, Jordan, Brandon, Dylan, Jaden and Luke. The Memorial Vigil will be held on Monday, December 1, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. preceded by a viewing at 5:30 p.m. at Thomas Miller Mortuary, 1118 E. Sixth St., Corona, CA 92879. The Memorial Service is on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. preceded by a viewing at 9:30 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, 2140 W. Ontario, Corona, CA 92882. A reception celebrating his life will follow the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. Internment with full military funeral honors will be held at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518 at 2:00 p.m. Service Location Not Available Monday 12/1, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm St. Matthew Catholic Church 2140 W. Ontario Ave. Corona, CA 92882 951-737-1621 | Tuesday 12/2, 10:00 am - 11:00 am St. Matthew Catholic Church 2140 W. Ontario Ave. Corona, CA 92882 951-737-1621 | Tuesday 12/2, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Riverside National Cemetery Staging Area #4 Tuesday 12/2, 2:00 pm Cemetery Riverside National Cemetery Staging Area #4 Thursday 1/1