Friday ObitsCoyote |
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Master and Commander Posts: 1421 Location: NE Florida | Subject: Friday Obits https://www.facebook.com/ussvi.eternalpatrol/ The above link goes to the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.) Facebook page where their members who have gone on “Eternal Patrol” are noted. I’ll keep my work here going, trying to get others who were not USSVI members. You’re encouraged to look there as well as here! Obviously, there’ll be some I miss and some I duplicate. MACDONALD .. .. .. MacDonald, Donald W. "Donny" 86, passed away March 22, 2026, at Canterbury Health Center. Born January 19, 1940, in Atlanta, GA, he lived his last 80 years in Tampa. He was predeceased by his father, Major Donald W. Macdonald in WWII; his mother, Mildred Dressler Griffin; his stepfather, J.R Griffin; and his cousin, Jimmy Dressler, of TN. Donny is survived by his brother, Gordy Macdonald; his cousin, Brenda Dressler, of TN; and his stepcousin, Marsha Griffin Rydherg, of Tampa. Donny was a Navy Veteran in the submarine service and a 28 year employee of Tampa Electric. There will be no service, but a memorial with friends will be held at a later date. GOOLSBY .. .. .. CAPT Doug Goolsby (USNR) died peacefully March 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born Dec. 6, 1954, to Bin and Patsy Goolsby. Doug spent his early years in Andrews, Texas where sand and oil were the most abundant materials. He graduated from Liberty-Eylau High School in Texarkana. Needing someone to feed and dress him, Doug applied and was accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy. In addition to the superb education, great roommates, and true friends, during this time Doug's uncle introduced him to his true love, Debby Chapman of Levittown, Pa. Graduating in 1977, Doug completed Nuclear Power School after promising Admiral Rickover he would study more and see Debby less. Defiantly, they were married November 24, 1978. Doug served on the USS Baton Rouge (SSN-689), in Norfolk, VA. The submarine was in port long enough for them to have their daughter, Meghan. Missing months of her first year convinced Doug to leave the active-duty Navy, but he continued his service in the Naval Reserve. Doug was soon working for the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) in submarine shipbuilding logistics. His NAVSEA assignments led to exciting times with special project boats supporting Navy Seals, logistics manager for amphibious ships, and eventually Acquisition Manager responsible for delivering Wasp Class LHD amphibious ships. In his spare time, Doug completed the Naval War College, a master's in financial management from American University, and a master's in international relations from Salve Regina University. Also in their spare time, Debby and Doug were blessed with three sons, Ryan, Kevin, and Darren. And then there was no more spare time. Doug transitioned from Navy shipbuilding to the Intelligence Community and became the Deputy Program Manager for a unique, joint agency Integrated Systems Program Office. Upon retirement from the government, Doug started Goolsby Solutions, LLC and continued to support national defense as a consultant. In his Naval Reserve career Doug served in units at the Pentagon, COMSUBLANT, and was the Commanding Officer of an Emory S. Land submarine tender reserve unit. While proud of his career achievements, nothing satisfied Doug more than spending time with his family. He enjoyed every minute of his life with Debby, who never stopped making him laugh throughout their 47 years of marriage. He loved raising his children, coaching their youth sports as if he knew something, helping them in academics where he knew a little, and seeing them grow to be wonderful adults, solid citizens, and awesome parents. Doug is survived by his wife, Debby; children, Meghan Renehan (Ed), Ryan Goolsby (Maria), Kevin Goolsby (Whitney), and Darren Goolsby (Sarah); sister Robbie, and nine grandchildren Logan, Grady, Grant, Elaina, Riley, Delaney, Kailey, Malachy, and Nicole, who affectionately called him "Poppy." His memory lives on in the way this family lives their lives. KUCHARSKI .. .. .. Thomas D. Kucharski, 82, of Brunswick, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Tom was born on April 13, 1943, in Cleveland, the son of the late Adam and Frances (Matyjasik) Kucharski. He was a proud United States Submarine veteran. He served mainly on the USS Piper 409. Tom worked for IBEW Local 38 for over 30 years. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. He never met a stranger, could talk to just about anyone, and was loved by all. Tom enjoyed golfing, fishing, and fly tying. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Tom also loved to travel to new destinations with his wife Charlene. He was known for his Super Bowl parties as well. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Kucharski; brothers and sisters, Norman Kucharski, Richard Cook, Robert Kucharski, Geraldine Janowicz, and Betty Haynes; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Kucharski, Ann Cook, Dorothy Kucharski, Edward Janowicz, Al Haynes, and Barb Ferenchak. He is survived by his loving wife, Charlene (Ferenchak) Kucharski, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage; sons, Matthew ( Megan) Kucharski, and Matthew (Michaela) Gruver; daughter-in-law, Stacey Filippi; grandchildren, Connor, Hunter, and Lainey; sister, Diane (William) Brennan; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Louis Ferenchak, Cynthia (James) Kulon, Constance (Doug) Johnson and Caryn (Curt) Tuttle; and numerous nieces and nephews. MOSS .. .. .. Kihei, Hawaii - Richard Chester Moss, 78, of Kihei, Maui, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Richard was born on May 8, 1947, in Utulei, Tutuila, American Samoa, to Chester Moss and Amanda Moss, both of whom preceded him in passing. A proud island boy at heart, Richard carried his roots with him throughout his life—living by the spirit of connection, resilience, and aloha wherever he went. As a young child, Richard moved with his family to Illinois in 1948, and later to Southern California, where he spent much of his youth. In 1966, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. He completed boot camp at the San Diego Naval Training Center and went on to serve honorably aboard the USS Barb (SSN-596), a nuclear submarine stationed at Pearl Harbor. Rising to the rank of Fire Control Technician First Class (FTG1), Richard served with dedication until his honorable discharge in 1972. Following his military service, Richard pursued higher education, earning his Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and later completing his MBA at Cornell University. He returned to Santa Cruz, where he built a meaningful career dedicated to service and community. Over the years, he worked with United Way of Santa Clara and several school districts as their assistant superintendent of business services, including Soquel Unified School District, San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District, and Santa Cruz City Schools, dedicating over 30 years to supporting students and families and making a lasting impact. In 2009, Richard retired to Maui, where he embraced the island lifestyle he always cherished. He was an active member of his community, volunteering his time with the VFW and the Pacific Whale Foundation. He found joy in life's simple pleasures—watching baseball (especially cheering on the SF Giants), fishing, going to the gym, and taking peaceful walks along the beach. Richard loved spending time with family and friends, whether it was sharing meals at Three's Bar & Grill, riding his motorcycle to Lahaina for Sunday breakfast, or stopping by Sugar Beach Bakery for his favorite morning malasada. He stayed closely connected with those he loved, always offering a listening ear, steady support, and genuine care. He will be remembered as a loving, caring, and kind man—hardworking, dependable, and easygoing. Richard was deeply devoted to his family and would do anything for those he loved. His strength, resilience, and quiet generosity touched many lives. He was "born an island boy, always an island boy." Richard is survived by his daughters, Maxi Moss, Brandi Cunningham, and Ginger Cruz; his sons-in-law, James Woods and Dan Cunningham; and his granddaughters, Jean Cunningham, Morgan Cunningham, and Noelle Cunningham. He is also survived by his brother, Ronald Moss; his sisters, Rose White, Marilyn Moss, and Mary Moss; his former wife and beloved lifelong family friend, Brenda Moss; along with many nieces, nephews, and a multitude of Samoan cousins who will forever cherish his memory. | ||
