Richard Gould

Richard J. Gould, age 90, a lifelong resident of Green Bay, passed away peacefully Monday July 2, 2012, at the Rennes Health Center in De Pere, after a brief illness.

He was born January 20, 1922, son of the late Jay John and Leone (Jacoby) Gould.

Richard Gould practiced law in Green Bay for 51 years, and also served as President of the National Cheese Exchange in Green Bay for 38 years. He was a devoted husband and father, and a trusted and well loved friend throughout the community during his lifetime. Richard was raised on Chicago St. and attended East High School, graduating in 1940. He attended Beloit College, and the University of Wisconsin- Madison where he was a proud member of Beta Theta Pi, and Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity. In 1942, RJ left college at the outbreak of WWII to join the US Navy, and served as a distinguished naval officer in the Pacific. As Lieutenant Captain of an LCI vessel his ship engaged with kamikaze aircraft during the battle at Leyte Gulf, and was among the invasion forces of the Philippines in 1944; although he never spoke much of it. After the war he returned to Madison and graduated from the UW Law School in 1947. Richard began his law career in Green Bay at the firm of Bie, Welsh, Trowbridge and Wilmer. He also continued to serve his country as a Naval Reserve Law Officer. During the Korean War Richard was recalled to duty, and while stationed in Virginia Beach, VA met Bess Parker Banks. They were married on April 12, 1952 in Mifflintown, PA and then returned to Green Bay to raise their family. Bess Gould preceded him in death on April 20, 1994. Richard was a law partner at Welch, Trowbridge, Bills, Planert and Gould, and Surplice and Gould before retiring in 1999.

He loved to hunt and fish, and to spend time on and around the waters of Green Bay. He was a lover of jazz and big band swing and was always known for his knowledge and fine collection of music. He loved more than anything, spending time at his cottage in Door County. Richard worked with the Door County Environmental Council (DCEC) for many years and was also an active member of the Kangaroo Lake Association.

Richard J. Gould was preceded in death by his wife Bess, his parents, and his sisters Suzanne (Emerson), and Virginia (Butterfield).

He is survived by his children, Jay (Bonnie) of Madison, Daniel, (Mary) of New London, Nancy of Newtown, CT, Elizabeth/Libby (Michael) Telzrow of Green Bay, and six grandchildren; Lynn, Jamie, Mathilda, Liliana, Thomas and James. He is also survived by dear friends and many nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed and remembered dearly by his family and friends.

The family extends warm thanks to the staff of Rennes Health Center for their care and kindness and to all those who cared for and befriended Richard over the past several years. Especially to dear caregivers Beth Gitlewski and Mary McCabe.


Family and friends may call from Monday, July 9, 2012 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, from 4:00pm until the time of service at 7:00 p.m., with Pastor Robert Christman officiating. Entombment will be at the Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.