Leonard Goss
Leonard Goss, of Branford, son of the late Steven and Edith Scotton Goss, was born on May 9, 1917 in Derby England. He came to the United States in 1920, when his father was sent to this country to be a supervisor at the new Rolls-Royce plant in Springfield, Mass. Mr. Goss died at Yale-New Haven Hospital on September 8, 2009 at the age of 92. During World War II he served as a T/Sgt. in the United States Army Air Corps., and was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a 34-year employee of the former Geometric Tool Company in Westville, retiring as a Sales Office Manager. Mr. Goss was a long time active member of Trinity Church on the Green where he served numerous times on the Vestry and for many years as the Director of Choir Activities. He was also fondly known as Choir Grandfather for the Trinity Boys Choir. Mr. Goss is survived by a daughter Nancy Lee Goss of Mount Carmel; grandsons, Peter Oravec and wife Liz of Shelton, Glenn Oravec and wife Shelley of Sutton, MA; great grandchildren, Samantha and Tyler Oravec of Shelton as well as several nephews and great nieces and nephews. Also, predeceased by his two sisters Hilda Knoll Rocklott and Lois Morrell. His family would like to thank the staff at Branford Hills Health Care Center and the staff at Yale-New Haven Hospital for their compassionate care. There are no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 26th at Trinity Church on the Green on the corner of Temple and Chapel Streets. BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden in care of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boy's Choir Activity Fund of Trinity Church, 129 Church Street, Suite 705, New Haven, CT 06510.
Dear Nancy and the entire family, Sincere and heartfelt condolences to you all. I know what a wonderful man Leonard was and I know also that there is an irreplaceable void in your hearts and lives.
I was part of the Trinity Boys Choir from 1991-1995 and Mr. Goss was truly .our Grandfather.. I have such fond memories of him and all he was to all of us. Rest in peace, Mr. Goss.
From the moment I met him, I understood how special he was – with the twinkle in his eye, that delightful accent and his courtliness, ah, a thing of the past. How nice you had him so long! My sympathy and my love – Katie
When we lived in Hamden our son Hal was a member of the Boys Choir, and that wonderful experience plus our acquaintance with Mr. Goss enriched all our lives. He truly was the choir’s grandfather and he will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace. With sympathy to his family,from Leigh and Don Riker
My condolences to Mr. Goss’ family on this passing of a great man. As a boy in the Trinity Boys Choir oh, so many years ago, it saddens me that it takes his passing to rekindle memories of him during my time in the choir. A protector he was and a caring man but stern when need be. His passing is a great loss to the church and the choir but he will be remembered fondly by us all.
Whenever Leonard Goss was in charge of the Boys Choir we always knew our son was safe and in caring hands. He was truly the Grandfather to countless boys – our son is a better man today because he knew Leonard Goss. God bless him and keep him close.
Beloved Len coached our son Jonathan up through the singing ranks of the Trinity Choir for Men and Boys, as he did many, many boys. We all remember him with great affection, appreciation and gratitude. How wonderful that we had him with us until he reached age 92!
From the moment I met him, I understood how special he was – with the twinkle in his eye, that delightful accent and his courtliness, ah, a thing of the past. How nice you had him so long! My sympathy and my love – Katie