Ronald Joseph Goba, of Hanover, formerly of Wollaston and Hingham, died peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth. He was 89.
Ronald was an original in every sense of the word. A teacher by profession and by nature, a poet by devotion, and a deeply passionate, creative, and opinionated soul whose sharp mind never dulled.
Raised in Union City, New Jersey, Ronald graduated from college in 1958, earning his undergraduate degree from Assumption College. A gifted athlete as well as a scholar, he left his mark on the court and is proudly enshrined in the Assumption College Hall of Fame.
On June 9, 1962, Ronald married the love of his life, beginning a marriage that lasted 50 years. Family was central to who he was, and while he loved deeply across generations, his grandchildren and great-grandchild were his greatest joy.
Ronald dedicated his professional life to education. From 1971 to 1991, he taught English at Hingham High School, serving as Head of the English Department and shaping countless young minds. Even outside the classroom, he was always a teacher. He was curious, exacting, and eager to share ideas.
Poetry was his lifelong passion. Ronald read every day and wrote a poem every day, a practice he maintained with discipline and joy. He wrote poetry for pleasure, self-publishing a couple of small books, and fostered community through a monthly Zoom poetry workshop where he and his friends shared new poetry they wrote and offered thoughtful critiques. His love of language was matched only by his love of movies and eclectic music.
Known for his sharp intellect and unmistakable individuality, Ronald embraced a classic 1970s fashion sense, lived frugally, and savored life’s particular pleasures, especially single-malt Scotch and a room-temperature Samuel Adams from the tap. He was passionate, creative, and unapologetically himself.
Beyond the classroom, Ronald coached basketball, football, and baseball, bringing the same care and intensity to the sidelines that he brought to teaching and writing.
Ronald is remembered as a devoted husband, loving family man, proud grandfather, mentor, poet, and original thinker. His words, his lessons, and his unmistakable presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ronald was the beloved husband of Susan J. (Gilmore) Goba, who died in 2013. He was the devoted father of Gerald V. Goba and his wife Karyn of Hanover, Thomas P. Goba and his wife Kevilin of Germantown, MD, and Jennifer Goba of Weymouth. He was the loving grandfather of seven and the loving great grandfather of one. Ronald was the dear brother of William Goba and his wife Joan of Connecticut, and the late Andrew Goba Jr. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 9-11 AM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Route 18 opposite of South Shore Hospital).
His funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 11 AM in McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, South Weymouth. Cremation will follow. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Ronald’s name to the charitable organization of one’s choice.