Robert Emil Gooch, 75, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. His wife, Jackie, and sister Carol were by his side.
Robert was born in Durham, NC on June 16, 1949 and lived in Raleigh before moving to Wilmington in 1990. He was a graduate of Durham High School and North Carolina State University. Growing up in Durham he was active in sports (baseball and basketball) and Boy Scouts achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduation he went on to a fulfilling career in financial planning and brokerage.
He loved the game of golf and was an avid player for many years. He greatly enjoyed rounds with his many friends at Landfall Club, Pine Valley
Country Club and any course to which they could travel by land, sea or air. Robert was also a voracious reader, going through a new book every two to three days. He loved a good political thriller, mystery or historical read.
Later in life he developed an enthusiasm for HAM radio, rekindling an interest he first developed in Boy Scouts. He happily equipped his radio room with all manner of electronics and would spend hours on the radio seeking and making contacts. His fellow radio enthusiasts were great support and great friends, always helping with logistics and technical advice.
Robert became a member of Rotary International while living in Raleigh and joined the North Raleigh Rotary Club under the sponsorship of his father-in-law, Jack Andrews. He became a Paul Harris Fellow, one of four in his family. Upon moving to Wilmington he joined the Downtown Rotary Club and was a member for several years. During his lifetime he conducted himself in keeping with the Rotary Four Way Test principles of truth, fairness, goodwill and benefit to all.
Several years after a chance meeting at Hayes Barton Pharmacy in Raleigh, Robert married Jackie Andrews, and the two of them shared a devoted love for 46 years of marriage. They traveled extensively together, enjoying trips in The United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe – every day was a new adventure. When their great-nieces and great-nephew
came along, they embraced all the new opportunities for birthday parties, dance recitals, school programs and babysitting that opened to them.
Robert is survived by his wife, Jackie Andrews Gooch, sister Carol McCreedy and husband Steve, niece Michelle Roughton and husband Lucien of Raleigh and nephew Jackson Curtis and husband Mike Dimpfl of Mebane. Robert is also survived by great-nieces Eli and Claire Roughton and great-nephew Luke Roughton who brought great joy to his life. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Emiel Aubrey Gooch, Jr and Betty Penny Gooch.
A memorial service is planned for Friday, March 14, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Andrews Chapel, 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, NC. The family will receive friends after the service at home at 16 Forest Hills Drive in Wilmington.
The family is grateful for the love and support shown by so many caring friends and for the compassionate care of Dr. Joshua Watson, Dr. Fahad Chaudhary and Dr. Paul Kamitsuka of Wilmington Health, Dr. Justin Miller of Wilmington Gastroenterology as well as the nurses and staff at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The V Foundation (cancer research), the Hurricane Helene relief organization for Western NC of your choice or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
