Jerry Goss, a life-long resident of Milford and Brewer, passed away suddenly on December 7, 2023. He was born in Bangor, the son of Ralph and Josephine Goss.
Jerry graduated from Brewer High School in 1965 and continued his education at the University of Maine with a bachelor's and master's degree in Education, as well as a Certificate of Advance Study in Supervision.
His teaching career began in 1969-1981 at the Joseph A. Leonard Middle School in Old Town. In 1981 he became Assistant Principal serving until 1987. In 1987 Jerry became Principal at his alma mater, Brewer High School, until retirement in 2002.
He was the 1997 Maine Principal of Year and was awarded the Bangor Chamber of Commerce Catherine Leborwitz Public Service Award in 2015 and the Jean Baker Recovery Advocacy Award for work with the Bangor Area Recovery Network in 2018. He was also awarded with the Maine Association of Directors of Services for Children with Exceptionalities Regular Educator of the Year. In 2023, Jerry received the MPA Larry LaBrie Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Interscholastic Division.
Jerry was serving in his 5th term on the Brewer City Council where he was Mayor 4 times. He was President of Rocky Knoll Country Club and served on the Bangor Region Health Advisory Board, Substance Abuse Task Force in 2014, as well as a board member for PCHC. He was a life member of the National Education Association and the Maine Principals' Association. He served on the MPA Swim and Basketball Committees. He had been co-director of the MPA High School Basketball Tournament in Bangor since 2012.
He served as President of Brewer High School Trustees which oversaw the building of the Brewer Community School. During that time he wanted to be sure the Performing Arts Center was included as well as the outdoor track.
Jerry worked tirelessly for the Heddericq Field Revitalization Committee on the installation of artificial turf as well as tennis and pickle ball courts. Just last week he was able to tour the new turf.
Jerry was instrumental in developing the Alternative Choice for Teens (ACT) Program as a part of the Brewer School System and advocated for it's relocation to a facility to meet their needs.
He also led Brewer High School to be the first school in Maine to hire a Resource Officer working closely with the Brewer Police Department.
After a long coaching career in the early days, he continued mentoring kids providing encouragement and instruction.
He had served in both the Air Force and Army Reserves with an Honorable Discharge.
Jerry was predeceased by both parents; and survived by his wife of 54 years, Jean; and sons, Jeff (Kelly and Andrew), and Jon (Brandy, Trent and Addison). He is also survived by his brother, Kevin; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Donations may be made to BARN at 142 Center Street, Brewer, ME 04412 or the Jerry Goss Scholarship Fund c/o Brewer High School, 79 Parkway South, Brewer, ME. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Jerry loved "his" city and often times comments were made that he bled Orange and Black! Please remember, as he always ended morning announcements at Brewer High School, "Make it a great day."
Fox News Report on Mr. Goss
Bangor Daily News story on Mr. Goss