Michael A. "Big Mike" Goss

Michael A. Goss (Big Mike), 60 of Syracuse, peacefully passed away Thursday at home and is onto Heaven to make more people laugh and smile. He was born in Syracuse and received his BA from Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University. Mike touched lives everywhere he went. As an entertainer for over 20 years, he made thousands of people laugh until it hurt. Mike retired from the City of Syracuse after over 30 years of service. He was a dedicated youth football, baseball and softball coach. Mike was an avid member of the Olympic Pin Club and enjoyed attending Olympics and memorabilia shows. He loved traveling, going to hockey games, being surrounded by nature, chicken barbecues and diners. Nothing was more important to Mike than enjoying a good meal surrounded by his family, which included his cats, Jazz and Spazz and his grand-dog, Nutmeg. Mike lived life to the fullest, enjoyed every day and always lived by the mantra of “The show must go on.” He was predeceased by his father, Mason Goss and his mother, Antonetta (Toni) Goss. Mike is survived by his loving wife and partner in crime of 42 years, Jessa (DeJulio) Goss; his pride and joy, daughter, Kimberly Berger and husband, Jeffrey Berger– who was much more than a son-in-law; his hard rocking brother, Christopher Goss who he was always proud of and his wife, Cynthia Goss; his favorite aunts, Mary and Angie Modafferi, (Mom #2 and #3). Mike's family would like to express a special thank you to the Palliative Care Department and to the nurses on 3-1 at St. Joseph's Hospital for their excellent care of Michael during his stay at the hospital. A funeral mass in celebration of Michael's life will be held on Tuesday, October 8th at 12:10 pm at St. Daniel Church, 3004 Court Street, Syracuse, NY. Family and friends may call at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. At Mike’s request, please join us for a Celebration of Life Party from 3:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 8th at Barbagallo’s Restaurant, 6344 East Molloy Rd., East Syracuse, NY 13057. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mike’s name to the SPCA, 5878 East Molloy Rd., Syracuse, NY 13211 or Multiple Sclerosis Resources of CNY, P.O. Box 237, East Syracuse, NY 13057.

Michael A. "Big Mike" Goss

May 21, 1953 - October 3, 2013