Robert G. Goddard, 74

Robert Gard Goddard passed peacefully on Feb. 28, 2026, surrounded by his five siblings, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 15, 1951, in Laconia, the third child of Claude and Doris Goddard.

Bob’s family moved to Meredith in 1964. He attended Inter-Lakes High School, where he was a member of the golf, cross-country, ski and soccer teams, played the sousaphone in the band, sang with the chorus, and worked in the library. After high school, Bob attended the University of New Hampshire before working as a cook at restaurants in the Seacoast areas of New Hampshire and Maine. He later earned a master’s degree in management, a master’s degree in organizational management, and a PhD in human and organizational systems, and was a professor of business and dean at McIntosh College and Franklin Pierce College, before retiring as a professor and dean at College of St. Joseph in Rutland, Vermont.

Bob married the love of his life, Marsha Hodgson, in 1985, and the couple lived in Newmarket and Exeter, and later in Rutland, Vermont. Bob was an elder and a well-respected and valued member of the Calvary Bible Church of Rutland until his death. His family is especially grateful for the care and attention of the pastor, elders and members of his church in his final days.

Bob loved using his cooking talents for his church community and being cook-in-chief at countless family events and dinners. He was an excellent golfer, and he enjoyed playing card games and spending summer vacations in Ogunquit. Bob also loved working on projects to remodel his church and build houses for Habitat for Humanity. He always put family first in his life, and family treasured the time they spent with him.

Bob was predeceased by his loving wife, Marsha, and by his parents. He is survived by his stepsons Jeffrey Hodgson (Vanessa) and Kenneth Hodgson (Deidre); and his five siblings, Crystal Wolfe (Doug), Nelson Goddard (Jeanne), Claude Goddard Jr., Corinne Pike and Kimberly Goddard. He is also survived by the children and grandchildren of his stepsons and siblings.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, at the Calvary Bible Church, 2 Meadow Lane, Rutland, Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Calvary Bible Church.