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Herbert J. Goetz grew up in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennslvania. He was determined to join the Navy, and so he made up for his subpar eyesight by memorizing the eye charts required to enlist. As one of the Navy’s early radar operators in the Pacific theatre during World War II’s later stages, he helped fend off desperate Japanese fighter planes attempting kamikaze attacks on his destroyer.
Herbert J Goetz of Lawrenceville (Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania talks about his experiences as a radar operator aboard a destroyer (USS Abbot DD 629) during WW II. Recorded in June 2011 at Lighthouse Pointe independent living community, OâHara Twp., Pittsburgh, PA. Interview conducted by Kevin Farkas, The Social Voice Project.
Herbert J. Goetz, 89, formerly of Aspinwall, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2015. Beloved husband of 67 years to Alice (Wittman) Goetz; loving father of the late Gregory (Patricia) Goetz, Suzanne (Mark) Obenrader, Gary (Coreen) Goetz, Robert (Beth) Goetz, Kristine (Ken) Ream, Cynthia (Louis) Balot and Michael (Mary) Goetz; cherished grandfather of Emily, Kati, Meredith, Matthew, Sarah, Seth, Ryan, Andrew, Noel, Bryan, Christian, Sean, Amy, Lauren and Meghan. Also survived by seven great-grandchildren; brother of the late Paul Goetz, Sr. Rita Goetz, O.S.F., and Dolores Dietz.
Herb was a proud veteran who served in World War II with the U.S. Navy, and retired in 1994 after 48 years from Pittsburgh Brewing Company.
