Edward Robert Goza, Jr.

Edward Robert Goza, Jr. passed away May 6, 2012 at the age of 80 years old in Winter Park, Florida after retiring to Lakeland in 2004. He was born September 7, 1931 in Cape Girardeau, MO to the late Edward, Sr. and Nell Goza. Bob was an earnest young man who recognized hard work and academics would be the keys to success. After graduating from Central High School early, he enrolled in Southeast Missouri State University. In response to the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where his aptitude in science was recognized resulting in Bob defending our country with service at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and an as member Strategic Air Command. After completing his enlistment, Bob finished his undergrad degree at SEMO and also reconnecting with his future wife Judith Barringer after growing up on the same street as children. Bob attended the University of Washington getting his PhD. in Physics graduating summa cum laude going on to teach at the University of Miami, Vanderbilt University, and Louisiana State University before changing careers in 1972 to nuclear medicine. Relocating to St. Joseph�s Hospital in Tampa, Bob used his scientific skills to treat people with cancer. In 1993 he retired from St. Joes and went to work for the Watson Clinic in Lakeland helping to establish their Cancer Care Clinic. He retired again in 2004, after over sixty years of hard work and steady dedication first begun at his family�s gas station in Missouri. As a teenager in Cape, Bob�s favorite summer-time activity was going to the pool and flying off its high dive. Continuing his enjoyment of high speed movement, he got his solo pilot�s license at a young age and began a lifelong passion for cars and car racing. Upon starting a family and attending the requisite little league soccer games, Bob�s hobbies shifted to sailing and sports car collecting. While never owning more than one sports car at a time, he dedicated himself to their enjoyment which included performing mechanical maintenance himself. His analytical mind served him well as he could fix almost anything and even assembled a home computer from circuit boards in 1978. As a husband and father, Bob was a dedicated provider setting an example of upright moral and logical choices throughout his life. One never had to guess what he was going to do, but rather think only of what should be done. And that is what he did. He will be missed greatly by his family. He is survived by his children Tracy Goza (Noah) Talesnick of Maitland, FL and Michael Robert Goza of Chattanooga, TN; sister Margie Skiles of Cape Girardeau, his grandchildren Nathan and Taylor Talesnick of Maitland, FL, and his nephews Robert and Monty Skiles of Cape Girardeau and nieces Diane Weber and Donna Scull of Seattle, WA. He was preceded in death by his wife Judith Barringer Goza in 2005, his father Edward Sr. and mother Nell Goza, his sister Jeri Scull, and nephew David Scull. Friends may call Monday, May 14, 2012 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Cape County Memorial Park with Rev. Donny Ford officiating.

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Edward Robert Goza, Jr.

May 6, 2012