Camden People - Duane E. Goobic

DUANE E. GOOBIC was born in New Britain, Connecticut on January 25, 1953 to Edward Goobic and his wife, the former Lois Marie Muszynski. His father had served in the United States Marine Corps. The oldest of four children, he was raised in North Jersey, growing up in and around Little Falls. about six miles west-southwest of Paterson. He graduated from Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls in 1971, where was a star football player, named to the all-Passaic County high school all star team in 1970 at defensive tackle.

Duane Goobic was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on November 7, 1977. He retired on January 1, 2011 having risen to the rank of Battalion Chief.

When first appointed to the Camden Fire Department, Duane Goobic lived at 1237 North 27th Street in Cramer Hill. Duane Goobic and his wife Anna lived for many years in Atco, New Jersey where they raised three children, Jennifer, Rebecca, and Edward. Along with his brother Camden fire fighter Paul Matyjasik, Duane was active with the Polish American Citizens Club, and served as a director. He aslso worked a second job with Fed Ex, and was active in Camden's Local 788 of the International Association of Firefighters.

A good friend and a dedicated fireman, Duane battled cancer for quite some time prior to his retirement. He was able to return to active service for a time in 2011. After leaving the Department, he continued to stay close to his brother firefighters and was a frequent visitor to Liberty Station and Fire Headquarters, and rarely if ever missed a reunion, fundraiser, or any other Camden Fire Department social events.

Sadly, Duane's cancer came out of remission and by May of 2013 it was apparent that he would have to move to Georgetown, Texas, where his daughter could look after him.

Duane Goobic passed away in Texas on February 8, 2014. He was survived by his mother, his wife Anna, daughters Jennifer and Rebecca, son Edward, and three grandchildren.

Obituary

Duane E. Goobic
BORN: January 25, 1953
DIED: February 8, 2014

LOCATION: Georgetown, Texas

Duane E. Goobic, 61, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, on Saturday, February 8, 2014. He fought a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Duane was born in New Britain, Connecticut on January 25, 1953. He lived all of his life in New Jersey before moving to Texas with family in June 2013. Duane proudly served the City of Camden as a firefighter. After 31 years, he retired as Battalion Chief. He also spent many years working with Fed Ex. Duane was an active member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 2578 and served as the Director of The Polish American Citizens Club.

He was loved and survived by his wife, Ann Goobic; daughter, Jennifer Miller (Joshua) of Georgetown, Texas; daughter, Rebecca Campos (Patrick) of Allen, Texas; son, Edward Goobic (Evelyn) of Norwalk, Connecticut; a devoted and loving grandfather to Hunter and Carter Miller and Mason Goobic; his mother, Lois M. Nellessen of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; sister, Elaine Tinnell of Lynchburg, Virginia; brother, Eugene Goobic of Budlake, New Jersey; and brother, Thomas Goobic of Hamburg, New Jersey.
Duane is preceded in death by his father, Edward Goobic.

Duane will always be remembered for his big blue eyes and warm smile. He was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather,
affectionately known as "Poppie". He will be greatly missed by all. He loved spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed watching his three grandkids play baseball and soccer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Duane's name to National Cancer Society or Angel Flight Inc. at
www.angelflight.com.

Services for Mr. Goobic are currently pending.

You may share a message or memory in the memorial guestbook at www.RamseyFuneral.com.

Camden Courier-Post - December 14, 1995

Two firefighters hurt, 3 homeless after blaze

Two city firefighters were injured and three people left homeless early Wednesday when a two-alarm fire heavily damaged attached homes in the 1000 block of North 25th Street.

Camden City Chief Fire Marshal Herb Leary said the fire erupted about 4:05 a.m. in a basement lighting fixture of a home at 1006 North 25th Street occupied by a couple. Their names were not immediately available.

The fire spread through the home and into the home of an 82-year-old woman at 1008 North 25th Street. The woman, who was not immediately identified, was awakened by a smoke alarm in her home, Leary said.

All three people fled their burning homes before firefighters arrived. The American Red Cross was helping them to relocate, Leary said.

Firefighters fought the blaze until about, 5:45 a.m. before declaring it under control. Two city firefighters, Capt. Duane Goobic and Firefighter Jim Ryan, were injured battling the blaze. Both were taken to Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center in Camden.

Goobic was treated for a cut on his lip and Ryan was treated for an ankle sprain. Both were released after treatment, Leary said.

While city firefighters were fighting the blaze, they also were called at about 4:30 a.m. to battle a fire in a vacant home in the 500 block of Pfeiffer Street.

Leary said someone had placed a 100-pound canister of propane gas in the home and set it ablaze. The tank burned but did not explode. The fire extensively damaged the home.