Patrick G. Goddard

Patrick Goddard, beloved husband of Betsy Goddard, a man who was immensely loved, went home to Paradise on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Patrick was a proud son of Littleton, Massachusetts. He cherished growing up in the town as one of seven siblings. It was in his early years of life in a warm, big family that he cultivated lifelong passions for music, sports, the outdoors, and service to others. After graduating from Littleton High School, he earned a degree from Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst, where he roomed with his best friend and brother Ron. His love for his family knew no bounds. He would have done anything for them; as witnessed by donating a lobe of his lung to extend the life of his beloved older brother Michael.

Patrick began his career working for the Town of Littleton, Massachusetts, where he managed the town’s athletic fields for the Park and Recreation department. Alongside this job, he coached football, and both girl’s and boy’s basketball in Littleton. He had a transformative influence on the young people he mentored, and his coaching records were stellar.

Patrick’s life was indelibly changed on one Halloween in South Carolina when he met a young woman and started a relationship that would define the rest of his life. As Patrick had experienced the loss of his older brother Michael, Betsy Haggerty had borne the loss of her brother Paul. Betsy’s father Francis was from Lowell, and her parents had married on the very same day as Patrick’s, June 6, 1959. Patrick and Betsy were married on a gorgeous Monday morning on Block Island, June 6, 2011—52 years from the day.

Patrick and Betsy had a joyful, adventurous life together—full of travel, especially to Kinsale, Ireland and Block Island closer to home. He loved golfing and music, and he kept his record of seeing Bruce Springsteen on every tour since the early 1980s. He became a valued member of any trivia team he joined, where his steel-trap memory of lyrics and knowledge of his favorite Celtics and Red Sox teams shone. Patrick was currently working at a local golf club in Mystic, where he approached each day at work with enthusiasm and a joyful spirit that lifted everyone around him. He has always stood out for his tireless work ethic, unwavering loyalty and deep sense of responsibility.

With Patrick’s warm, demonstrative, and caring nature — he met everyone with a loving “Where’s my hug?” and his life motto was “Nothing but love!” This made him perfectly suited for a role that could be said to be his proudest life mission: serving as a beloved uncle and surrogate father figure to his nieces and nephews, both Goddard and Haggerty, especially so for the Goddards and McGowans that had lost fathers. Patrick visited every niece and nephew while in college, attended every graduation and countless sporting events. When niece Molly Coccaro had to find a substitute for her father-daughter date, there was no question that she would ask Uncle Patrick, and they had a blast. His influence will be felt and cherished forever.

Patrick was predeceased by his beloved brothers Michael, Kevin, and Ron, as well as his dear father and mother, Ronald and Ann Goddard. Despite the untimely losses of many loved ones in his life, he was always full of hope, warmth, and joy. Patrick was kindhearted, compassionate, respectful, thoughtful and humble…always. He took nothing for granted, and was present in every moment, and every conversation he had. He was loyal in every area of his life.

It hardly seems possible that someone so good could exist. He changed our lives for the better and leaves behind an enduring legacy of love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Patrick's honor to St. Anthony Convent in Drogheda, Ireland. https://www.franciscansisterscfr.com/donate

For those who wish to attend services remotely, please visit the livestream link below five minutes before the scheduled service time: Livestream Link: https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/541147   

The family invites friends and loved ones to join them as they commemorate Patrick's life. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm, at Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton, Massachusetts, 01460. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 144 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts, 01852. Following the service, Patrick will be laid to rest at Westlawn Cemetery, 7 New Estate Road, Littleton, Massachusetts, 01460, at 11:30 am.

Arrangements are under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 347 King St., Littleton, MA 01460. 978-486-3709