John F. Gooch

Hampton - John F. Gooch, 73, of Hampton, NH passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024, at Exeter Hospital, after a long battle with COPD. He was born on November 1, 1950 in Wakefield, MA to Stanley and Joan (Eaton) Gooch. John was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He graduated from Wakefield High School in 1969 and shortly after joined the US Army and married his first wife Mary Hervey (Bergeron) in Exeter, NH in November, 1970. He was stationed in Naha, Okinawa Japan during the end of the Vietnam War where his daughter was born. He met his second wife Janet and they were married on July 5, 1998 at Fern Camp with many family and friends in attendance. He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Gooch (Dave Carpenter) of Sanford, ME, son Derek Moore (Angie) of Exeter, NH, his brother, David P. Gooch of Hampton, NH and Wakefield, MA, sister Christine S. Gooch of Salem, MA and many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and second wife of 23 years, Janet Gooch (Lavalley)who passed in December of 2021. John spent his summers and adult life in Hampton, NH. He loved having cookouts at the family camp and going to the beach at Plaice Cove and the Wall. He was a NH surfing pioneer and a charter member of the Plaice Cove Surf Club. You could always find him cruising up and down the coast looking for the perfect wave. After leaving the service and returning home from Okinawa, John sang and played guitar for a local band called Lizzie Bomb. John worked for over 25 years at Foss Manufacturing in Hampton, NH until his health forced him into retirement. He was very happy to not be working overnight anymore. At his request, there will be no formal service or wake, rather that his ashes be scattered at Plaice Cove. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Surfrider Foundation - NH Chapter in his memory. Please use this link to donate to his memorial page: https://mygiving.surfrider.org/-/NWDSQJPQ?member=SJMJKAQJ The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the Rockingham VNA and Hospice as well as the staff at Exeter hospital who took such great care of him at the end of his life for their support and care during this difficult time.

John F. Gooch

November 1, 1950 - April 9, 2024