Walter J. Gossin, our dad, our inspiration, and our hero passed from this life peacefully on October 25, 2009. Much compassion and dignity was given to him in his last days while at Rex Apex (North Carolina) Nursing Home. The family cannot express enough thanks to the nursing staff for all the daily love and exceptional care given to Walter. A sincere and heartfelt thank you to the blessed people of Wake County Hospice especially Marcy Rodgers for your dedication, guidance and inspiration to us for dad in his last days. Truly all of you have been given a gift from God. Walter was born in Utica, New York on January 31, 1920, son of Mary (Mulligan) and Arthur Gossin. Educated at St. Francis De Sales School, Walt went on to serve in the US Marines during WW ll and returned home to marry Margaret Witte in 1950. He raised his family in Whitesboro, New York, having a daughter Christine, married to Dennis Smith, of Tampa, Florida; a son Richard, married to Barbara Kelly, of Morrisville, North Carolina; and a son Stephen, married to Donna Dunn, of Marcy, New York. Walt was also blessed with six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Walt worked for New York Telephone Company for 35 years as a building engineer. In 1985 Walt and Peg retired to St Petersburg, Fl. In 1999 he was pre-deceased by his wife of 49 years and in the 1980's by brothers Art, George and Bill all of Utica, New York Walt gave his time and energy to many good causes during his lifetime including Utica/Whitesboro Little league baseball, Dix Mix, Whitesboro Optimists, and Knights of Columbus Council #189, where he was a Grand Knight. He played an instrumental part in the building of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Whitesboro were he also served as a member of the Holy Name Society and Men's Club. Dad loved his family, enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and travelling. We will all miss him dearly; yet gone from our sight here on earth, is now in sight of all who have gone before us. God rest his soul. There will be no calling hours. A celebration of Walter's life will be held on Friday October 30, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Whitesboro, NY. A private burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery in Utica. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Walt's memory to Hospice of Wake County, 1300 St. Mary's St., 4th Floor, Raleigh, North Carolina 27605.