Caleto Goffe

Caleto (‘Carl’) Goffe was born in Jamaica, West Indies. The Goffes lived atop of a mountain with breathtaking views that remain unmatched. The first of ten children, Carl was a helpful big brother who loved and supported his family. He attended Technical Trade School where he completed his welding training. He eventually migrated to the United States with a dream and his ambition and settled in Queens, New York, initially working as a taxi driver. He was a visionary who was committed to extending the American Dream to his family members and later assisted both his parents and several of his siblings in their migration to America. Carl went on to start a family that he raised in Long Island, NY. He stressed the importance of discipline, education, and a good work ethic and was proud that his children went on to attend some of the best schools in the country. Professionally, Carl prided himself on his expert welding abilities and specialized in MIG and arc welding, burning, brazing and fabrication, as well as heating and bending of various metals. With his gift and entrepreneurial spirit, Carl started Goffe Welding with its distinctive blue pickup truck. He spent most of his career working for various towing, construction and contracting companies. His work was not just a job but an art form, which he approached with the precision and creativity that characterized various areas of his life. Carl dressed to impress. On these occasions, he was found in fashionable suits, dapper shoes, and stylish watches while always wearing a distinctive cologne. And when the occasion moved him, he loved to entertain—excited to give a gift to a visitor to his home. He was a long-time music enthusiast and used to DJ epic parties with huge speakers and sound systems in the basement of his home. Carl was also a technophile, always trading up for the latest computer, tablet, and phone. He was a strong believer that ‘big men drove big trucks’ and recently opted for an extended cab pickup truck that made parking in New York parking spaces an adventure. He was generous and meant well, helping many people in his community along the way with car rides, funds, gifts and encouraging words. Carl is survived by his mother, children, grandchildren, siblings, and many nieces and nephews. Carl lived life on his own terms and was a thoughtful father, grandfather and friend to those who knew him. He will be deeply missed.