Joseph William Goetz

Goetz, Father Joseph W., died Saturday, February 24, 2018 in Dayton at the age of 84. Father Goetz was a fifth-generation Daytonian from the suburb of Oakwood, the son of Josephine Keyes Goetz and Joseph L. Goetz. He was baptized in Holy Angels Church, where he later celebrated his first Mass and eventually served as pastor. He graduated from Oakwood High School and then attended Ohio Wesleyan University as an art major. Subsequently he studied for ordination to the priesthood at the seminaries of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati where he earned a Master’s degree in philosophy. He earned his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from King’s College at Cambridge University, England. He was ordained in 1960 by Archbishop Karl J. Alter at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati and was appointed as Assistant Director of Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese. Father Goetz served as pastor of Holy Angels Parish in Dayton, St. Paul’s Parish in Yellow Springs, and served in other parishes. He taught philosophy at Antioch College, systematic theology and theological anthropology at Mt. St. Mary Seminary of the West, the school of theology of the Athenaeum of Ohio. He also held teaching positions at the University of Dayton, United Theological Seminary in Dayton, and Xavier University in Cincinnati. He published two books including Mirrors of God and Liturgy Coming to Life: The Eucharist Today, as well as numerous journal articles. He was also a regular contributor to The Antioch Review. Father Goetz was a painter and held several exhibitions of his work. He was also a voracious reader and collector of books. He is survived by his sister Sue Goetz Doody and brother Thomas Goetz (Hedy), both of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his sister Gail Goetz Holden (John). He is survived by 10 nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many cousins. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 2, 2018 at Holy Angels Catholic Church, Brown and L Streets, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Celebrist Bishop Joseph Binzer and Homilist Father Edmund Hussey officiating. Burial Calvary Cemetery. Additional church parking available in U.D. Lot S-1 next to Fitz Building on Brown St. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Angels Parish or Daybreak of Dayton, 605 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton, Ohio 45402. Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhomes.com.