Craig Alan Goida

Craig Alan Goida

1972 - 2026

Craig Alan Goida, 53, of Point Loma, San Diego, CA, entered into eternal rest Friday December 5, 2025 in his residence after a four year battle with ALS. He was the partner of Grant Lewis.

Born in Allentown, PA, he was the son of Paul J. and Lennora (Schaeffer) Goida.

He was employed as the Director of Finance for Solar Turbines in San Diego for 20 years.

He was a graduate of Panther Valley High School, Class of 1990, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. He was also a member of the baseball, football, and track and field teams. He earned honors in football and received the Major William C. Whitehead Jr. Memorial Award, was nominated All State, and received the Scholar Athlete Award.

He was a graduate of Villanova University Class of 1994 earning a B.S. in Accounting and graduating with Summa Cum Laude Honors.  He was a member of the football team and was named a Scholar Athlete.

He was a graduate of St. John University Class of 1996 with MBA. He also received his CPA and CMA certificates.

After moving to California, he was still active in sports. He was a member of the San Diego flag football program where he won several National Championships and was named defensive MVP one championship year. He was also inducted into the San Deigo Flag Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2024. He was the first person to get an endorsement and support for the Craig Goida SDAFFL Foundation.  The Foundation supports initiatives within the SDAFFL that teach and improve player skills, referee training and development, foster new league membership, discover and develop new quarterbacks, and much more.

After all those sports accomplishments, his biggest challenge was his battle with ALS. The support he received from his family, friends and caregivers was overwhelming and very much appreciated. He, along with his family and friends, raised over $200,000 to help those living with ALS and their caregivers.

Surviving along with his parents and partner are his German Sheppard Jasper,  brothers Paul E. and his wife Michelle of Collegeville and Jeffrey J. and his wife Stephanie of Lansford; a sister Trisha Holmes and her husband Daniel of Elkton, MD; nieces and nephews Elizabeth Cooper (Brant), Katherine Rose Chafin (Drew), Teaghen Goida, Julia Holmes, and Sarah Holmes.

He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents John and Helen (Hlubik) Goida and maternal grandparents LeRoy and Margaret (Morris) Schaeffer and his much beloved dog Maggie.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Basile’s Italian Delight Restaurant, 401 Claremont Ave, Tamaqua. A visitation will be held from 1- 1:45 P.M., a service will take place at 1:45 P.M., and dinner will follow the service. Online condolences may be offered at www.blazoskyfh.com.

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