George M. Gogas, 95, a lifelong resident of Haverhill, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, Dec. 4 surrounded by family. He was the loving husband of the late Helene (LaPerle) Gogas.
Gogas was born on Feb. 6, 1922, the son of the late George S. and Mary (Collins) Gogas. He grew up in Haverhill and attended local schools before joining the United States Army. He honorably served during World War II and was a Purple Heart recipient for an injury he sustained during a battle at Guadacanal. Gogas was also awarded the American Defense Service Ribbon, Pacific Service Ribbon and the American Theatre Service Ribbon.
He was employed with the Unites States Postal Service for many years and worked in the Haverhill Post Office before retirement. He was a past president of The Holy Name Society of St. James Parish where he was a lifelong communicant. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Gogas loved reading, bowling, fishing and playing cards. He was a true gentleman and will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends.
He is survived by his five children, Helen Futch and husband George of Semmes, Ala., George Gogas, Jr. and wife Virginia of Groton, Mass., Patricia Skoglund and husband Duane of Manchester, N.H., Matthew Gogas and wife Donna of Windham, N.H. and Kathleen DiMattia and husband Joseph of Haverhill. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, his sister Anna Gogas, several nieces, nephews and many friends. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Alyssa Skoglund.
Calling hours will be held Friday, Dec. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Grondin-Carnevale Funeral Home 129 Kenoza Ave. Haverhill. A funeral mass will take place Saturday at 9 a.m. at Saint James Parish, 185 Winter St, Haverhill. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that donations in his name be made to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 114 Perimeter Road, Nashua, N.H. 03063.