Richard Charles Goldthwait Jr, age 88, WWII Veteran , passed away suddenly on October 14th 2012 at the Veteran's Hospital in White River Junction, Vermont. He was born April 24th 1924 in the town of Salem Massachusetts to the late Richard Charles Goldthwait Sr, of Salem Mass and Alwina Hoelle of New Britton Connecticut. He attended high school in Medford Massachusetts and graduated in June of 1942. In the fall of 1942, at the age of 18, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended pilot training in Pensacola Florida where he graduated in 1943. He was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade and was assigned to the US Navy Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB106 and flew as co-pilot on the PB4Y-1 Liberator as well as the PB4Y-2 Privateer in the Pacific Theater of WWII. Richard was affectionately known as "Goldie" by his superiors, squadron members as well as many of his friends. He had a wonderful sense of humor which helped others to see the positive side of life during the most trying times of adversity and anguish. Upon his honorable discharge from the U.S Navy in 1945, Richard joined his father in the family business "Dick's Newspaper Agency" located in Somerville Massachusetts. When the family business closed he went on to become night shift supervisor of two textile mills in the Boston area, Plymouth Rubber and Good All Sanford. Upon retirement, Richard relocated to Bath New Hampshire. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, trap shooting, photography as well as many other outdoor activities. He was an avid gardener who had the utmost respect for nature. Richard was a life time member and active in causes concerning the Disabled American Veterans Association and was also active in woodworking as a hobby to benefit several church organizations in raising money for worthy causes. Richard is survived by several friends and family members including his sister Virginia Goldthwait-Curto and her husband James Curto of Wenham Mass, Son Richard Goldthwait II of Stoneham Mass, Daughter Janice Wholey of Stoneham Mass, Joyce DeYoung of Bath New Hampshire, Daughters; Susanna Fisher with daughter and son in law Jennifer Siler, husband Nicholas Carter and grandson Dominick Carter of Phoenix Arizona, Teresa MacKinnereney with two grandchildren Derek Power and Shannon MacInnerney of Tewksbury Mass and a great grandson Austin Power, Kathleen and her husband Thomas Sullivan and their children Michael and Mathew Sullivan followed by his great grand daughter Breannen of Burlington Mass, Valerie Pickens , grandson Shawn Boyd and Amanda Boyd of Lisbon New Hampshire, and Kristin and her husband Jeff Somer along with their children Daniel, with great grand daughter Ayla and great grandson Tyler, grandson Richard Morris and Nicole Morris along with great grandson Brody of Woodsville New Hampshire.
Knight Funeral in White River Junction is assisting with arrangement. In lieu of flowers, cards and gifts, contributions may be made to the DAV (Disabled American's Vet Association) in your area. Thank you all for your consideration in donating to his cause. Many blessings to all and thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity. We all love you dad. You will remain forever in our hearts.