Jerome P. Goddard

Jerome Paul Goddard, 92, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on April 29, 2026. He was a beloved son of the late William and Mary Goddard He was preceded in death by siblings William (Ester), Marilyn (Ray), Doris (Peter), Donald (Jackie), James (Julie), and grandson James Colby Goddard. Also preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Kim Goddard. He was the loving and committed husband of the late Mary Joan Goddard (nee Klekamp) and a dedicated father who was actively present in the lives of his seven children: Mark (Cathy), Paul (Patty), Brian (Margaret), Chris (Diane), Ann (Tim), Julie (Eric), and Ellen (Lyle), as well as his 20 grandchildren and 30.5 great-grandchildren.

He played a large role in cultivating a close and united family—enthusiastically cheering from the sidelines at games and events, creating fond memories with Sunday-morning breakfasts at local parks after Mass, inventing rules for family Easter egg hunts and wiffle ball games, and planning family vacations and trips. Dad was known as a warm, friendly, and joyful man. He was a man of faith and service.

He served honorably in the U.S. Army during which time he was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Throughout the years, he was active in valley parishes—attending Mass one or more times each week, participating in annual retreats, and praying the rosary daily. These practices were a constant in his life and helped shape the man he was. He also freely offered his gift of voice by singing in parish choirs. He spent countless hours volunteering at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, sponsoring a festival booth for 20 years, and volunteering behind the operating room desk at Good Samaritan for 15 years. Jerry was also an active member and leader of the St. Patrick’s Council, Knights of Columbus, and he gladly shared his time and talents with anyone who needed something built or repaired.

He enjoyed traveling, fishing, golf, poker, and watching sports, and had a special fondness for old movies. In earlier years, he played football and baseball, and he was always up for a family game of volleyball.

Viewing: May 8th, 2026, at 5 pm – 7 pm Hodapp’s (College Hill) Funeral Home, 6041 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, OH 45224

Mass: May 9th , 2026, at 10:30 am at Our Lady of the Valley, 330 W Vine St, Reading, OH 45215

The funeral can be livestreamed on Our Lady of the Valley Facebook page :

https://www.facebook.com/OLVReading

Family will be going to Gate of Heaven Cemetery for the interment, friends can go directly to the reception at Saint Patrick’s Knights of Columbus, 7500 Fairpark Avenue, Cinti, OH 45215

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Samaritan Hospital, 375 Dixmyth, Cinti. OH 45220 - Mount Notre Dame designated for the Mary Joan Goddard Memorial Scholarship Fund to support students in need. 711 E. Columbia, Cinti, OH 45215 - Catholic Charities, Covington Diocese, 3629 Church St, Covington, KY 41015. www.Covingtoncharities.org

Condolences at hodappfuneralhome.com