Edmund David Goddard - Obituary

dmund David Goddard November 2, 1927 – April 9, 2026 Edmund David Goddard November 2, 1927 – April 9, 2026 Edmund David Goddard, “Ed” of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on April 9, 2026, surrounded by family. There was hardly a moment when a loved one wasn’t holding his hand. He was born on November 2, 1927, in Tarrytown, New York to Edmund and Mary (McNamee) Goddard. Raised in White Plains, New York during the Great Depression, Ed was the only sibling who left the area but remained deeply connected with his family. After graduating from high school, he began a life of public service at the United States Post Office (Grand Central Post Office) in New York City before enlisting in the United States Air Force. While stationed in New Jersey he met and married the love of his life JoAnn. Other tour of duties included England, Florida, France, Georgia, Germany, Montana, and South Carolina. When stationed in Europe, Ed and JoAnn would load their children in the Volkswagen bus to visit many other countries, creating a lifetime of memories. His children fondly recall his familiar reminder during those trips: “Stay awake, you will never see this again!” He took great pride in supporting his 7 children and building a strong, close-knit family bond. A legacy that continues through each of them today. In 1971, after a 23-year career, Ed retired as a Senior Master Seargent settling in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He continued his service as an Officer with the United States Capitol Police for 21 years. He worked in the Capitol House Gallery and the Speaker’s Lobby during Tip O’Neill’s tenure, a role he truly enjoyed and often spoke of. Ed was a devout Catholic whose life was guided by faith, love, and a deep commitment to his family. He attended countless baptisms, First Holy Communions and served as Confirmation sponsor to many of his grandchildren. Family was the center of Ed’s life. His grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchild held a special place in his heart. He cherished every moment spent holding them as newborns and often soothing them with a hum of a tune or lullaby. He never missed a birthday, attended countless school and sporting events, and took the family on vacations to Disney and Rehobeth Beach. He gave each of them his time and attention offering advice, sharing stories and history of his Irish heritage, reading together, giving guidance, building snowmen in the winter, and most importantly creating lasting memories that will always be treasured. Ed was passionate about cooking for his family, whether it was a big turkey dinner, pot roast, or one of his familiar favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken and rice, or lasagna. He had a fun way of bringing family together, especially around the holidays. Ed cherished his close friendship with neighbors and was especially grateful to Derric who was instrumental in helping Ed live independently in his later years. His larger-than-life, loving presence is already deeply missed. Ed will be remembered for his devotion to family, wisdom, and the steady, generous love he gave throughout his life. The closeness and sense of family he built is something many can only hope to experience. Now, his legacy will live on through the generations he cared for and loved so deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, JoAnn, Aunt Bridget; brothers, William and Bernard; sisters, Mary, Kathleen, and Ann; daughter-in-law, Gwynne Sayres, son-in-law, Charles Trotter, Jr. Ed is survived by his 7 children: Michael Sayres (Polly) of Collierville, TN; John Sayres (Leslie) of Bradenton, FL; Monica Trotter of Punta Gorda, FL; Joseph Sayres (Becky) of Warrenton, VA; Thomas Goddard of St. Louis, MO; Mary Obrebski (Andy) of Gambrills, MD; and Catherine Martindale (Paul) of Davidsonville, MD; his 19 grandchildren: Yvonne, Rebecca, Justin, Beverly, Kristen, Nicholas, Alyssa, Chase, Kelsey, Samantha, Casey, Jason, Ethan, David, Frances, Aiden, Joanna, Owen, and John; 21 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law Lonnie Limbocker, a nephew, and 4 nieces. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ed’s life on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 4-7pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 14908 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Interment will follow with military honors at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, MD To honor the memory of Ed, the family kindly asks in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in Ed’s honor to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital