In Memory of Johannes de Goeij

Johannes Josephus de Goeij

Spouse: Muriel de Goeij
Children: Rojan, Godfried
Birthdate: March 19, 1945
Ascension: September 23, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: September 29, 2022

Johannes (Jan) Josephus de Goeij was born on March 19, 1945 in Haarzuilens, Utrecht, Netherlands, the first of five children, four sons and one daughter, of the late Willem and Anna (Vernooj) de Goeij. He joined the Unification Church in 1972 and one year later, in 1973, he came to the United States as a missionary. He was deeply committed to his faith and participated in Rev. Moon’s Day of Hope tours, as well as the Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium and Washington Monument rallies.

Jan worked as a founding employee of the News World in New York City and then worked as a graphics specialist for the World and I Magazine and the Washington Times. He was very active with church activities during these times, as well.

After living in Maryland and working for the Washington Times, he moved to Worcester with his wife, Muriel. Jan was a beloved member of the Worcester Family Church community. Those who know Jan are familiar with his kind, gentle spirit that often gave others a friendly greeting, a warm smile, and extended words of gratitude at every opportunity.

Jan enjoyed going for walks, had a thirst for knowledge, loved history and geography (he always had a book in his hands), and had a fondness for cows since growing up on a dairy farm.

Jan passed away unexpectedly, at age 77, on Friday, September 23, 2022 at St. Mary Health Center in Worcester, MA.

Jan is survived by Muriel (Samtjoe) de Goeij, his wife of 17 years; his first wife, Rosemarie Degoey; two sons, Rojan Degoey of Baltimore, Maryland and Godfried de Goey of Oakton, Virginia; his brother Hans de Goeij and sister Annie Van Wijk, both of the Netherlands; and his three grandchildren, Pilar Degoey, Brice Degoey and Ethan de Goey. He is predeceased by two brothers, Jaap de Goeij and Wim de Goeij.

He will be missed and will always hold a place in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.

Seonghwa Ceremony

Date: Thursday, September 29 from 10:00 am until noon
Location: Rice Funeral Home (300 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01609)
Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery (119 Webster Street, Worcester, MA 01603)

Cards can be sent to:
Muriel Degoeij
36 Upsala St., Apt. 206
Worcester, MA 01610