Bernard James Goba

Bernard James "Bernie" Goba, age 82, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2022, at his home in South Walpole, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on September 21, 1939, Bernie was the son of the late Bernard A. and Helen (Olsavitch) Goba. He was raised in Norwood and graduated from Norwood High School with the Class of 1957. Following graduation, Bernie enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country. After basic training he was stationed with the Medical Unit in Texas.

Upon his return home from the Army, Bernie began his course work at Boston Architectural College, BAC. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1969, while raising his family in Foxborough. With his degree in hand, Bernie, along with some friends from BAC, formed an architectural firm, Environmental Systems Organization. The firm landed several large contracts, including designing a hotel at Logan Airport, design work at Lowell General Hospital, and later designing a neighborhood in Quechee, Vermont. In the early 1970s, Bernie moved to his historic home in South Walpole, appreciating all the architectural charm that came with it.

Bernie married his beloved wife, Janyce Nareski, on November 1, 1986 in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. A year later, Bernie founded B. Goba & Associates, P.C. in Medford. The firm took on countless commercial, residential, historic preservation, and government projects over the years. He was an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Boston Society of Architects for many years.

As a devoted alumnus of BAC, Bernie was always ready to give back to his Alma Mater. He loved to take on students to give them real world work experience and he volunteered for almost every position at the college, including President of the Alumni Association, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Cascieri Lectureship Committee, and leader of the Ames Scholarship Committee. His hard work and dedication to the college was recognized in 2007, when he was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts Honoris Causa. Bernie was recognized again in 2011, when he was granted the Selfless Labor Award.

Bernie’s selflessness did not end with his Alma Mater. He was active in the Town of Walpole as a Representative to Town Meeting, as well as being a member of both the Permanent Building Committee and the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation. Dedicated to his Catholic faith, Bernie was a devout member of the Blessed Sacrament Church parish for many years.

Bernie enjoyed traveling to various destinations around the world and throughout the United States. In September of last year, his loving daughter Marissa helped him fulfill a lifelong wish to go fly-fishing in Montana. He enjoyed spending time at his vacation home in Warren, Vermont where he took full advantage of skiing at Sugarbush. A true optimist, Bernie would always tell you that conditions were the best of the season, no matter the weather. He was a voracious reader, constantly seeking out new subjects to learn about, and he loved to take copious notes on new topics. He loved spending time at his home in South Walpole, cultivating and caring for his extensive garden and painting in his studio.

Most of all, Bernie loved being surrounded by family and close friends, cherishing every moment spent with those he cared for. His family and all who knew him will always remember him for his work ethic, his loyalty and kindness, his fierce independence, and his relentlessly positive attitude.

Beloved husband of Janyce Nareski Goba.

Loving father of Janet Goba of Springfield, Geoffrey Goba of Kennebunk, Maine, David Goba of Needham, Oliver Goba and his wife, Kathleen, of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and Marissa Cuomo and her husband, Nicholas, of Brooklyn, New York.

Cherished grandfather of Owen, Daniel, and Caroline.

Fun uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Brother of Lorraine Olson of Hopedale, and the late Edward Goba.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Bernie's visitation on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the newly endowed Bernard J. Goba Scholarship at the Boston Architectural College. Please write “in honor of Bernard Goba” in the donation field & it will be properly allocated.

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