Gerard E. Goggins of Worcester, formally of Auburn, died Thursday morning after a long illness. He was 79 years old. He is predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Deanna. He leaves four children: John M. Goggins Esq. of Worcester, his wife Gina and their children John, James, Gianna, and Genna; William C. Goggins MD of Zionsville, IN, his wife Laurie and their children Kaitlyn, William, Michael, and Joseph; Kathryn G Conlan of Scarsdale, NY, her husband Matthew and their children James, Anne, Moira, and McKinley; and Jennifer G. Conlan of Franklin, her husband Patrick and their children Joseph and Seamus. He also leaves his great-grandson Aiden Mann of Worcester.

Gerry was born in Flushing, NY, and raised in Sayville, NY. He graduated from Sayville High School in 1956. He received a B.A. from Assumption College and an M.A. in English Literature from Boston College.

For 25 years, Gerry worked at the Worcester Evening Gazette and was the paper’s last City Editor. For almost a decade, he was the Executive Editor of the Catholic Free Press before focusing his fulltime efforts on publishing. For 12 years, he was the President of Ambassador Books, Inc. When the company was acquired by Paulist Press in 2008, he became a consulting editor until he retired in 2011.

For many years, Gerry enjoyed coaching the Auburn High School varsity field hockey team where he notched more than 100 wins. He spent his free time on Cape Cod where he enjoyed sailing and long walks on Great Island with his golden retrievers.

For more than 40 years, he was a member of A.A. He was a friend to many and helped hundreds find sobriety. He was the author of several works including The Anonymous Disciple and was the editor of Father Fred and the Twelve Steps.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2018 from 2 to 4pm at Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9am on Monday, February 5, 2018 at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street, Worcester. Burial will take place in Saint John Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Notre Dame Healthcare, 559 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605.