William Gobus' Obituary
William Gobus, 95, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Bill was born in Batavia, N.Y. to Gertrude Alexander Gobus and Alexander Gobus on October 18, 1927. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Carol Jane Gobus.
Bill has 3 loving children; William C. Gobus (Susan Matthews) of Dolores, Colorado, Patricia Turbert (Doug Turbert) of Guilford, Ct., and Barbara Lelli (Joe Lelli) of Norristown, Pa. Bill had 8 grandchildren; Daniel, Christopher and Bill Turbert, Jessica Southard, Dianna Kralle, Joe Lelli, Carol and Amanda Gobus. He also had a special relationship with all 10 of his great grandchildren in addition to many loving nieces and nephews.
Bill had a very full life. He entered the Marine Corps at the age of 16 and was honorably discharged at the age of 17 after being injured in the battle of Sugar Loaf Hill, Okinawa, on May 17, 1945 and being awarded a Purple Heart. After a long hospital stay and several operations he returned home and became a graduate of Bowling Green State University in 1951. He went to work for the Merchant Marines on the Santa Maria as a Purser and then eventually Nationwide Insurance where he had a 35 year career as a Claims Manager.
During his lifetime, he had many hobbies, boating, woodworking, traveling, golfing and in his retirement years, an avid fan and booster of the Florida Gators. He especially enjoyed the football and basketball games as well as women’s volleyball and gymnastics. He was a supporter and fan of the Performing Arts Center in Gainesville and the Gainesville Orchestra where he enjoyed a variety of performances. Bill was extremely social and loved making friends. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good conversation. His life at The Village of Gainesville in his last 10 years were very happy years.
There will be a gathering of friends and family on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 10 A.M. to 12 P. M., in the Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Westarea, 823 NW 143rd Street, with a celebration of Bill’s life, beginning at 11:00 A. M. Many thanks to the VA Hospital and all of the wonderful Nurses and Doctors who cared for him there in his final days as well as all the staff at Jasmine Point at the Village. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fisher House Foundation (1601 S.W. Archer Rd. Gainesville, Florida 32608), which houses families of veterans while they receive their care. Their mission statement “A Family’s Love is Good Medicine” encompasses the family’s love for Bill.
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