Necrology
Because Hamilton Remembers
Paul James Goetz '58
Sep. 24, 1936-Mar. 30, 2021
Paul James Goetz ’58 died on March 30, 2021, in Sarasota, Fla. Born on Sept. 24, 1936, in Albany, N.Y., he came to Hamilton from the Albany Academy.
Majoring in English and a member of Delta Phi fraternity, of which he would become chapter president in his senior year, Goetz was involved in a number of campus organizations: the Student Senate, Interfraternity Council, Chapel Board, The Spectator, the Squash Club, and the French Club. As a junior he won the McKinney Prize for Public Speaking and followed that the next year by winning the Clark Prize for Oratory. A distinguished student, he became a member of Phi Beta Kappa his senior year. Fred R. Brook, president of the Class of 1958, recalled that “Goetz was noted for his keen intellect, personal discipline, and gracious spirit.”
Upon graduating, Goetz began a 32-year career at New York Telephone, which became NYNEX, and prior to his retirement, rose to be a senior officer of that corporation. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves.
In October 1962, Goetz married Eva Jones in New York City, and the couple had two daughters. The Goetzes made their home in Hartsdale in Westchester County.
After his retirement in 1991, the Goetzes moved to Sarasota, Fla., where they joined the Presbyterian Church of the Palms and Goetz served in a leadership role as one of its elders. He sang in the Sarasota Chorus of the Keys and also provided invaluable leadership to the Easter Seals Society.
He was instrumental to Miracle League of Manasota, which provides opportunities for differently abled children and adults to play baseball. This work was one manifestation of Goetz’s devotion to the national pastime. He remained a dedicated, lifelong Dodgers fan, even after the team left Brooklyn and moved to Los Angeles in 1958. One friend of Goetz’s speculated that if there is a heaven and baseball is played there, he will be at shortstop for the Dodgers.
Goetz is survived by his wife, two daughters, and four grandchildren.
Note: Memorial biographies published prior to 2004 will not appear on this list.
Necrology Writer and Contact:
Christopher Wilkinson '68
Email: Chris.Wilkinson@mail.wvu.edu
The Joel Bristol Associates
Hamilton has a long-standing history of benefiting from estate and life payment gifts. Thoughtful alumni, parents, and friends who remember Hamilton in their estate plans, including retirement plan beneficiary designations, or complete planned gifts are recognized and honored as Joel Bristol Associates.
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Alumni & Parent Relations
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Jacke Jones
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