Recently Departed Shipmates

  • Michael M. Bignell – May 5, 2023
    Michael Bignell, age 72, resident of Woodstock, IL, died on Friday, May 5, 2023.  Michael is survived by his wife Denise; children Whitney Bignell and Corry Cox; 3 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, two sisters, and a brother.  Michael served on the USS Goldsborough DDG20 as a gunner’s mate.  He served 3 1/2 tours, stationed in Vietnam, Korea, and Hawaii.    He loved his motorcycle and taught others to ride.  He enjoyed fishing especially musky fishing in northern Wisconsin.  Michael was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan.  He worked at ABC Supply Co. where he was a recipient of many awards for excellence.  His memorial service was Friday, May 12, 2023.  In lieu of flowers, the family requested you make a donation to Purrfect Cat Rescue, 318 N. Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL  60012.
  • Roy J. Satterstrom – February 28, 2022
    Roy Satterstrom, age 77, resident of Muskego, WI, died on Monday, February 28, 2022.  Roy is survived by his wife of 49 years, Christine; children Clayton, Charles and Steven, three grandchildren, two brothers and a sister   Roy was a plank owner and member of the USS Goldsborough Association, Navy Vietnam veteran, avid horseshoe player, and member of the Kanas City Sheepshead Club.  Roy loved the outdoors, working on crossword puzzles and coaching in the Wind Lake Little League.  Sports was his passion – playing and watching.  His smile, laughter, love of family and friends will be missed by all.  His Celebration of Life is March 10, 2022 from 4 to 9 pm at the Big Bend Vernon Lions Club, W231S9205 Riverside Street, Big Bend, WI  53103. 
  • Roy P. Hoffman – August 3, 2020
    Roy Hoffman, age 77, a longtime resident of Branch, WI, died on Monday, August 3, 2020 at Wisconsin Veteran’s Home in King.  Roy is survived by his wife of 49 years, Betty; children Miki Gould, Joe (Jennifer) Hoffman, and Kimberly Hoffman, three grandchildren, two sisters and a brother   Roy graduated from high school in 1960 and enlisted in the US Navy.  He served on the USS Goldsborough from 63-65 and was a life member of the USS Goldsborough Association.  After his service in the Navy, Roy worked as a lineman for Wisconsin Public Service until he transferred to Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant as a Plant Safety Officer till his retirement in 2000. Roy had a passion for fire science and taught fire science for Lakeshore Technical College and Northeast Technical College. Roy was a kind, thoughtful, generous, and community-minded guy. He served various roles including Fire Chief on the Branch Fire Department, a member of the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association, the Wisconsin State Firefighters Association, served on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin State Firefighter Memorial, and was past President of the Wisconsin Society of Fire Service Instructors. He was an active member with Kempten Standing VWF Post 1753 in Mishicot and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.   Roy enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, camping, and volunteering to support rural firefighting across the United States.
  • Charles “Chuck” Leichman – April 29, 2018
    Charles “Chuck” Leichman passed away on April 29, 2018, at the age of 62.  “Chuck” passed away from a heart attack while in Melbourne, Australia.  Chuck was an ET2 on the Goldy from 1984 – 1987.  He also served on the USS Thomas A. Edison.
  • Les R. Hartmann – January 1, 2017
    Les Hartmann, 75, of Lompoc, CA passed away Sunday, January 1, 2017.  He was a devoted family man survived by his loving wife Janet of 53 years; children Chad, Ty, Cheri and Pace, their spouses Susan, Shirley, Joseph and Carrie, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his six brothers, three sisters, their spouses and numerous nieces and nephews.  His service in the Navy included tours in Vietnam during the war aboard the USS Goldsborough DDG20 as an FTM2, and a chance meeting of his future Navy Wave wife Janet.  After his service in the Navy, he continued to serve his country and had a long and distinguished career in the Aerospace industry including doing his part in several satellite launches at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
  • Captain William O. Rentz – April 11, 2016
    We have just received news that Captain William O. Rentz, U.S. Navy, passed away on April 11, 2016.  He was born December 10, 1932 in Milledgeville, Georgia. Following one and one half years of enlisted service in the Naval Air Reserve and one year at Georgia Tech, Captain Rentz entered the U. S. Naval Academy, and was commissioned an Ensign in 1955.  Throughout his career, Captain Rentz served on numerous ships and assignments.  He also studied management at George Washington University and attended the MIT Sloan School of Management Senior Executive Program in 1980.  Captain Rentz assumed command of the USS Goldsborough (DDG-20) in June, 1974 and commanded it until February, 1976 when assumed command of the USS California (CGN.36).  His decorations include three Legions of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, and two Battle Efficiency Ribbons. He is also entitled to wear the Navy and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, the Navy Occupation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Sea Service/Deployment Ribbon. He is the recipient of the Navy League’s Stephen Decatur Award for Operational Excellence for the year 1979.  Captain Rentz is survived by his wife, Dr. Susan Spraberry Rentz, two children, four grandchildren and his sister.  Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 14, 2016 in Locust Grove, GA.  Memorials may be made to the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association for the purpose of the Cyber Warfare Center.
  • Dennis L. Hogan – May 11,2016
    COP USN Ret. Dennis L. Hogan, 66, formerly of Louisville passed away in Nashville, TN on May 11, 2016. He was a graduate of Bishop David High School and Loyola University.   He was retired from the U.S. Navy and was stationed on many ships and in Saigon, Vietnam. He was preceded in death by his parents, James W. Nd Helen Hogan. He is survived by brothers, Jim (Pat), Roger, Bruce and Brian (Mahalah) Hogan; and many nephews and nieces. A mass of celebration was held at 11am on Monday at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4005 Dixie Highway. Interment with military honors followed in Louisville Memorial Gardens West.
  • Jack Maguire – May 8,2016
    Jack Maguire, a Goldsborough plankowner and one of the founding fathers of the USS Goldsborough Association, along with being one of its first officers has passed away. Jack and his family, wife Dee and son Michael, the official bar keep of the association, have been long term supporters of Goldsborough. Please keep Jack’s family in your thoughts and prayers. Cards can be sent to: The Maguires at 129 Broadwell Circle, Franklin, TN 37067. Donations can be made to the Best Buddies of Tennessee in Honor of Jack Maguire, 116 Wilson Pike Circle, Ste. 201, Brentwood, TN 37027 or the USS Goldsborough Scholarship Fund.
  • James C. Keenan October 27, 2015.
    James C. Keenan, 73, of Powell, Ohio, passed away at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, OH, with his family by his side on Tuesday, October 27th following a brief illness. He was an independent consultant for the National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessels.  He was an avid and loyal sports enthusiast, enjoyed playing golf, went elk hunting and was active in many Masonic organizations. He also held life memberships in the American Legion, VFW, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, NRA and the USS Goldsborough Association. Jim was a proud Navy veteran of the Viet Nam War where he was a BT and the later served as a UT in The Seabees attaining the rank of 1st class and had a membership in the CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation.  Jim is survived by his wife Evelyn, his son James (Elizabeth) Keenan; step-sons Isaac Arnold, John Arnold; 3 grandchildren and 2 brothers.  A memorial service was held on October 31, 2015 where military honors were proved by the US Navy and the Union County Honor Guard.
  • Jerald (Jerry) James Drabek – April 7, 2015
    Jerald (Jerry) James Drabek passed away April 7, 2015 at HCI Bright Kavanagh Hospice in Des Moines. Memorial mass in celebration of Jerry’s life was held Friday, April 10 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Des Moines.  Jerry proudly served 22 years in the United States Navy, retiring as Senior Chief Radioman. During his naval career, he was the proud recipient of five Good Conduct Awards, the National Defense Service Medal, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal. Jerry served on the USS Goldsborough December, 1975 thru June, 1977. After retirement, he and Lessie lived most recently in Grand Island, Florida and Mercer, Missouri.  Jerry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lessie Drabek of Mercer, Missouri; daughter Angela (Danny) Greene of Durham, North Carolina; son Timothy Drabek of San Diego, California. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials in Jerry’s name be given to HCI Bright Kavanagh Hospice, 3000 Easton Boulevard, Des Moines.
  • Joseph E. Coneys – CDR, USN (RET) – November 11, 2014
    Born in Quincy, Massachusetts.  He was a graduate of Archbishop Williams H.S., 1953, Boston College, 1957 and graduated OCS, Newport Rhode Island, 1958.  Joe served 25 years active duty on various ships and commands worldwide.  He was Goldsborough’s first ASW Officer .  He is survived by his wife Margaret and children Christopher, Timothy and Meghan.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Bridget in 2011.  He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
  • Gordon O. Sundby – May 26, 2011
    We have just received word that Shipmate Gordon O. Sundby died on May 26, 2011 after a short battle with esophageal cancer.  Gordon served on the USS Goldsborough 69-72, in R-Div, as a HT2.  He was one of the wounded at his GQ sta. Repair locker 3 in December, 1972 and received a purple heart.  He continued to do his job even though severely wounded.  A military honors memorial service was held on Saturday, August 6, 2011, at Eagle Point National Church.
  • Larry Nelson – January 6, 2014
    We have received word that Shipmate Larry passed away Monday, January 6th.  He enlisted in the Navy in June, 1958 and served until his retirement on Feb. 28, 1981 as a Senior Chief Machinist Mate.  He was a qualified Engineering Officer of the watch and earned the Surface Warfare Devise and the following decorations: Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct (3 awards) Meritorious Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, National Campaign Medal, Vietnam Presentational Unit Citation. Larry was on board the USS Goldsborough from 1977 thru 1979.  He was a great supporter of the USS Goldsborough Association and it’s scholarship program.  He will be greatly missed by his association family and many friends.  Larry is survived by his sister, Sandra (Duane) Palmgren and her family.  A celebration of life will take place Jan. 25, 2014 at 1pm at the Fleet Reserve Association in Bremerton.
  • Stanley “Stash” Oldytowski – September 2, 2013
    Stanley passed away after a long battle of lung cancer.  He was a veteran of the Vietnam war, serving in the US Navy.  He was a technician in the Aircraft Division, General Electric Company for many years.  He is survived by two sons – Peter Oldytowski and Robert Oldytowski.  His sons would also appreciate any stories or remembrances of their dad and can be sent to:  poldytow@gmail.com.  Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association of MA, Essex County Branch, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 323A, Beverly, MA 01915-6185.
  • Stanley S. (Bud) VZatek – August 12, 2013
    Bud hailed from Philadelphia, PA where he was proud of being an Eagle Scout.  He was also proud to serve our country in the US Navy where he was a Navy Chief.  He was assigned to the USS Goldsborough during the Vietnam conflict.  Bud faced his cancer and death with such strength and courage – the way he lived his life and served his country.  He was laid to rest November 13th at Arlington National Cemetery amongst his fellow Vietnam and all veterans – heroes all.
  • Alfred Maxwell- July 21, 2013
    Alfred was born in Jersey City, New Jersey.  He was a veteran serving his country from 1951 to 1972.  Drafted during the Korean Conflict with the US Army, he served his tour 1955 after which he enlisted in the US Navy and served during the Vietnam War.  Shipmate Maxwell was a plankowner on the USS Goldsborough.
  • Helmut “Hal” Peine – January 14, 2013
    Hal was from Battle Creek, Michigan.  He served in the US Navy for 22 years and retired in 1984 as a Master Chief.  He was stationed on many ships with main land being Honolulu, Hawaii and Newport, R.I.,  Burial at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI.  Memorial tributes to Huntington’s Disease Society of America or Battle Creek Humane Society.
  • Bill Gillmore – January 6, 2012
    Bill passed away after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.  Bill loved the Goldy, was proud of the time he served on her, and even has a personalized Texas license plate that read “DDG 20”.  A dear friend of ours got me in touch with a rider in the Run for the Wall last year.  This great fellow took one of Bill’s license plates to the Vietnam memorial.  I looked up that fateful shelling.  Even though Bill survived that attack, he always thought of his fallen comrades.  I hope no one is offended that I had his plate placed near those names.  He was so proud to be a Vietnam veteran!  As you may know, several times during the day, the mementos left at the wall are collected placed in the Smithsonian.  I just wanted something of my hero left in the Smithsonian.   Janice Gillmore  (gillmorejanice@gmail.com)
  • Chief Petty Officer Robert L. Huffines – May 3, 2011
    He left behind a grieving wife and 10 year old daughter, as well as several grown children and grandchildren. Bob is also survived by his mother and father. He had a wonderful memorial on May 6. Three sailors from Jacksonville did the flag ceremony while TAPS was being played. We will all miss him until we can be with him again. Submitted By: Nancy Huffines
  • Brian L. E. Peek, 57 – Jan. 5 2011
    Born February 7, 1953 in Neptune, NJ, quietly departed this life, Wednesday, January 5, 2011 in his Detroit, MI apartment. A veteran of the United States Navy, Bryan served with distinction on the USS Halsey (1973-1975) and USS Goldsborough (1980-1984). Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mildred and his brothers Lovie and David. He is survived by his daughter, Aquela J. Peek of Phoenix, Arizona, two grandchildren: Genesis and Harmony (also of Phoenix), four devoted sisters: Argloria C. Peek, of Rochester Hills, MI, Claudia F. Corbin, of Detroit, MI, Marcea C. Austin, of Washington, DC, and Roberta M. Hill, of Virginia Beach, VA.
  • Norman “Norm” E. Pearson – Dec. 9, 2009
    Born in Orange, Calif. Retired U.S. Navy chief warrant officer with 23 years of service Survived by wife, Mitsuko; daughters, Mary Carias and Sandra Tachibana; grandchildren, Arielle, Zachary and Mikayla Carias, Sean and Ian Tachibana.

SICK CALL

Keep us posted on shipmates that are ill, hospitalized or otherwise in poor health. We’ll post the information here for friends and families to see.

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