Senate Resolution No. 1858
BY: Senator ORTT
MOURNING the death of William "Bill" Gosch,
distinguished citizen, veteran, and devoted member
of his community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, William "Bill" Gosch of North Tonawanda, New York, died on
Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the age of 102; and
WHEREAS, Born on December 8, 1923, William Gosch was a lifelong
resident of North Tonawanda and graduated from North Tonawanda High
School in 1942; and
WHEREAS, Filled with a strong desire to serve his Nation, William
Gosch joined the United States Marine Corps in December of 1942; he
served proudly in the Pacific Theatre as a PFC, and was a member of the
2nd Raider Battalion, known as the elite Carlson's Raiders; and
WHEREAS, While serving, William Gosch participated in four major
combat operations, including Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, and
Okinawa; and
WHEREAS, On his 100th birthday, William Gosch received eight medals
that he earned but was never physically given, including the Navy-Marine
Presidential Unit Commendation Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal,
Navy-Marine Combat Action Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 4
Bronze Stars, WWII Victory Medal, WWII Honorable Discharge Button, and
Marine Corps Rifle Marksman Badge; and
WHEREAS, After returning from the war, William Gosch attended
Niagara University on a football scholarship, and he graduated in June
of 1950; that same year, William Gosch married his loving wife, Lois
Kothan, and together they shared 72 memorable years of marriage until
her death in 2022; and
WHEREAS, Together, William Gosch and his wife, Lois Kothan, shared
the joy of raising their four beloved children, Phyllis, Susan,
Christine, and Matthew; and
WHEREAS, William Gosch distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, William Gosch spent his professional career working for
Johns-Mansville, serving as general manager of Richardson Boat Company,
and managing the North Tonawanda Housing Authority; and
WHEREAS, After retiring, William Gosch spent 26 years wintering in
Oahu, Hawaii, where he and his wife operated a costume jewelry business;
and
WHEREAS, William Gosch's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, As a proud community member who was always willing to help
his community, William Gosch was appointed to serve as an Interim 2nd
Ward Alderman for the North Tonawanda Common Council in 2020 at the age
of 97; and
WHEREAS, William Gosch valued community, conversation, and the
simple joys of everyday life; known as the "Original Mr. Fix-It" to
many, William Gosch was a popular figure in North Tonawanda, often
visiting the North Tonawanda City Market and participating in activities
and celebrations throughout his cherished hometown; and
WHEREAS, Those who had the privilege of knowing William Gosch will
remember his warm smiles, friendly conversations, memorable stories, and
immense North Tonawanda pride; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, William Gosch leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of William "Bill" Gosch, distinguished citizen, veteran,
and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of William "Bill" Gosch.
