James W. Goglia

1942- 2014

Putnam – James W. Goglia, 71, of Putnam, died on January 24, 2014. “A beautiful heart stopped beating today.” Born in Boston, MA on the 4^th of July, he always said he enjoyed the fact that everyone celebrates his birthday.  Jim was a typical city kid that gave his Mom, Aggie (Brown) Goglia, and his Dad, Jack Goglia their share of headaches and heartaches.  He was street smart, living in the East End.  Wanting a better life for their children, Jack and Aggie packed up the kids, older brother John, Jam and younger sister Jackie and moved to a pretty house with a pool in the peaceful town of North Grosvenordale, CT.  The many years spent there were so important to help Jim grow into the strong good man that he was saving four lives in the process.  He was a proud former Marine, running the “brig” while stationed on the FDR Air Craft Carrier on the Mediterranean Tour.  The stories that he would tell of his time spent in Greece, France, Italy, and Spain were sad, funny, and gave us an insight to the special man that he was.  Rarely ever seen without his signature Budweiser can in hand, he was laid back and easy going, never in a hurry.  When asked to go somewhere with family or friends, his favorite response was, “Ok, I’m off  like a herd of turtles!”  He always maintained a slim body on his six foot tall frame, even while giving into his sweet tooth often.  He enjoyed many summer days ideally fishing at his sister Jackie’s and brother in-law Ronnie’s beach pond cottage.  When in South Carolina fishing or hanging out with his brother in-law Harry, was what he loved to do.  He enjoyed NASCAR Racing and went to many events.  He was a really good cook and water skied in his younger days.  Wood burning was a passion and he took pride in his many creations.  He was employed at Aronson Tire Co, in Auburn, MA before moving to Florida.  There he was employed at CEC Elevator Cab, a division of Otis Elevators in Ft. Lauderdale.  He relocated back to CT and worked in the shipping-carton department for Frito Lay, retiring nine years ago.  He was married to Karen (Mease) Goglia Hoyt, the mother of two of his children, Jeff Goglia, and Robin Hart.  They divorced, but remained friends until her passing.  He was predeceased by his daughter, Christina Lee Goglia, whom he always kept in his heart as he did her mother, remaining very close and never losing that special bond between them for all of his life.  Jim was diagnosed with cancer in September 2012, then a stroke, December 23, 2012 changed his life from retirement in Dillon, South Carolina to Oakwood Rehabilitation in Webster, MA.  The care he was given there warmed our hearts.  His doctors, RN’s, PT’s and one very special person who rarely left his side when he needed someone to be with, C.N.A, Karen Leary.  St. Vincent’s Hospital, Harrington Hospital in Webster, MA, and Hospice and staff, thank you all for your compassion.  Jim leaves behind to grieve deeply: His son, Jeff Goglia, and partner, Brenda Kingsbury of Brooklyn, CT;  his grandchildren, Evan McCellan Goglia, Nathan McCellan Goglia; his daughter, Robin Hart and her husband Ronnie Hart of Dayville, CT; his grandchild, Angie Hart and her partner Jason Eaton of Port St. Lucie, FL; his great grandchild, Jayla Hart Eaton; his grandchildren, Ryan Hart and partner, Brittany Caye, and Shean Hart; his sister Jackie Daigneault and her husband Ronnie Daigneault of Lisbon and Beach Pond, CT and their families; his lifelong heart friend, Donna R. Reynolds of Danielson, CT; his lifelong heart friends and recent care givers, Kenneth and Maria Ware of Putnam; the Nedzweckas and Ware families of North Grosvenordale; the Ware Family of Dover, DE; and the Lewis family of Dillon, S.C.; many aunts; uncles; cousins; nieces; nephews; and extended family and friends in MA, DE, SC, GA, and CT.  Mac, “The Dog” will miss him too.  He was loved by so many people in his life.  He was a good, kind  man.  Cremation is entrusted to the Gilman and Valade Funeral Home & Cremation service.  There will be no calling hours or services per request of James.  Family and friends may gather for a “Celebration of his Life” in the home of Kenneth and Maria Ware, 146 Liberty Hwy, Putnam, CT, on February 1, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  You will always be in our hearts Jim.  In Jim’s memory, donations may be made to any animal shelter or animal rescue.

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