WWII veteran, avid square dancer, tractor collector

Published February 25, 2021

NORTH READING — Frank Goddard Jr., 93, of North Reading, formerly of Reading, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home on Sunday, February 21, 2021.

Born on May 6,1927 in Lowell, Mass., Frank was the oldest son of the late Frank Goddard and Juliette (Lanoue) Goddard. Frank was a warm and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Frank was a resident of Reading for 45 ½ years before moving to North Reading 18 years ago. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, serving as a seaman in the Pacific Theater. Frank was a graduate of Norwich University with a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Retiring in 1989, he was a 32-year employee of the Raytheon Company working primarily as a Section Manager in the Product Assurance Function in various Massachusetts locations. Frank was proud to spend more time in retirement than employed!

A devout Catholic, Frank was a communicant of Saint Athanasius Parish in Reading where he was active as an usher for 41 years as well as being involved in other church activities. He and his wife Barbara were avid square dancers for 30 years, belonging to several square dance clubs in the area such as the Checkmates and Seaside Steppers. Frank was a charter member of the International Harvester Collectors Club of New England having a collection of several antique tractors, toy tractors, tractor books, and related collectables.

Frank was the beloved husband for 71 years of Barbara (Whittier) Goddard. He was the devoted father of Frank Steven Goddard, David Goddard, Robert Goddard and his wife Lori, Richard Goddard and his wife Alice, Thomas Goddard and his wife Lynsey, James Goddard, and Mary Anne Shaw and her husband Dennis.

The cherished grandfather of 17, Frank was the doting great-grandfather of 10. He was the dear brother of Edward, Eleanor and the late Paul. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Frank’s eternal life will be held on Friday, February 26 at 12:30 p.m. in St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill St., Reading. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Frank’s family prior to the Mass beginning at 12 p.m. in the church. Interment Wood End Cemetery, Reading.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Frank’s memory to the Mission of Deeds, 6 Chapin Ave., Reading, MA 01867 or to St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill St., Reading, MA 01867.

Arrangements by the Doherty–Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden St., Reading. To send a memorial condolence visit www.barilefuneral.com or www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome.