Ralph W. Gould Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Rye - Ralph Wayne Gould, 85, of Rye, died peacefully at Benchmark at Rye, Wednesday, July 20, 2022 after a period of failing health. He was born in Portsmouth on January 17, 1937 the son of the late Ralph V. and Olive (Ferguson) Gould. Ralph graduated from Concord High School and attended the University of New Hampshire before joining the US Navy Submarine Service. Ralph began his naval career on the USS Entemedor (SS-340) and started his nuclear career when he became a part of the commissioning crew of the USS Thresher (SSN-593) and was transferred to the USS Jack (SSN-605) 2 weeks prior to the Thresher’s final voyage on April 10, 1963. He also served on the Sub Tender USS Orion (AS–18), as well as the USS George C. Marshall (SSBN-654). Ralph finished his Naval Career as an instructor at the Naval Submarine Base New London. He retired with 20 years of service in 1974 as Master Chief, and returned to his home State of New Hampshire. After his retirement from the Navy Ralph worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and also returned to College and received a master’s degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Ralph finished his Nuclear career at the Seabrook Station Power Plant. He was an avid car enthusiast and mechanic who enjoyed modifying his various cars over the years. Ralph was a member of the Rye Congregational Church and his Christian faith was at the very center of his life. He also enjoyed singing in the church choir with his wife Joyce, and they also would sing as a duo in various Retirement homes in the area. He leaves his wife whom he shared 20 years of marriage with, Joyce R. (Weldon) Willmer Gould of Rye, five children, Paul V. Gould of Exeter and wife Donna of Rye, Peter W. Gould and wife Anne of Barrington, Penny Sue (Gould) Peddie and husband Colin of Weston, MA, Pollyanna (Gould) Ford and husband Shawn of North Hampton, Patrick D. Gould and wife Bridget of Exeter, 14 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, his sister Sandra Zaccardi of Florida, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his first wife of 45 years, Patricia L. (Hammond) Gould. Together they raised their 5 children and grandchildren until her untimely death in 2001. Private burial will be in the Central Cemetery, Rye.

Ralph W. Gould

January 17, 1937 - July 20, 2022