June 16, 1970 – May 22, 2024

Robert Goald, a beloved son, brother, uncle, esteemed Naval Veteran, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on May 22nd, 2024, at the age of 53. Rob was born in Scottsdale AZ, on June 16th, 1970, to Allen and Sara Goald, who preceded him in death along with his brother, Michael Goald. He is survived by his loving nieces, Brianna and Carissa, as well as his many phenomenal friends and co-workers who will miss him dearly.

Growing up in South Padre Island, Rob spent most of his free time disassembling electronics and putting them back together, often improving their functionality. He cherished fishing trips with his father and skeet shooting outings with his brother. Rob also worked alongside his parents and brother in the family business, where he developed a strong work ethic and technical skills.

Rob graduated from University Preparatory School in Harlingen, Texas in 1988 and was excited to embark on his next adventure with the U.S. Navy. He served with honor and distinction as an electrical engineer, proudly contributing his expertise on the USS Kitty Hawk and the USS Nimitz. His commitment to his work and his country was unwavering, earning him the respect and admiration of all who served alongside him.

After his distinguished naval career, Rob utilized his extensive training and knowledge to become a Data Communications Technician at NASA. For over 25 years, he was a lead technician in the Mission Control Center (MCC), where his expertise in digital voice and video display systems was invaluable. Robert's technical acumen and dedication made him a vital resource.

Rob was deeply dedicated to his work and his expertise was highly regarded among those he worked with. He became an invaluable source of support and a Subject Matter Expert for many of the critical systems within Mission Control. He was frequently called upon to troubleshoot or modify equipment not only at the Johnson Space Center, but also at other NASA centers. His exceptional contributions earned him many accolades, including NASA's coveted Silver Snoopy Award, a recognition given to less than 1% of the workforce. Rob's impact at NASA was profound, and his legacy of excellence and service will be remembered by all who worked with him.

Rob was a passionate supporter of the Houston Astros baseball team and has always had a love for fast cars. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. His life was a testament to the values of service, love, and friendship. Rest in peace.

A memorial service will be held at 3rd Base Sports Bar on June 8, 2024, at 2:00pm, where friends and family will gather to celebrate Rob's life and honor his legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Nasa’s Starport Program in Rob's name.