Richard Curtis Gooch, affectionately known as Rich, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026, in Moundsville, WV, at the age of 70. Born on February 5, 1956, in Glen Dale, WV, Rich lived a life filled with music, love, and cherished memories.
Rich was a talented musician whose passion for music was evident throughout his life. He spent many years working at JDH Sound Studio in California, where he performed with numerous bands, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. Upon returning to the valley, Rich continued to share his musical talents by touring as a bassist with The Vogues, The Easy Street Band, and Hey Norton. His dedication to music extended beyond performance, as he took great joy in teaching and inspiring the next generation of musicians. Rich’s greatest fans were undoubtedly his family and friends, who supported him throughout his musical journey.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Rich was an avid fan of Steelers and Mountaineers football, often spending weekends cheering on his favorite teams.
Rich was preceded in death by his father, Willard Gooch; his mother, Pauline Gooch; and his younger brother, Johnathan Gooch. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Whitney Coffland, and her fiancé, Joshua Jones; his treasured grandson, Julian Holland, who was his greatest blessing; his brother, Frank (Cheryl) Gooch. Rich also leaves behind close friends Mark (Sheila) Nelson and Will (Becky) Kovalick, along with many other dear friends and family members who will miss him deeply.
A memorial gathering will be held at CARE Moundsville Chapel on Friday the 2nd of October from 12pm to 2pm. Followed by a memorial service at the same location at 2pm where family and friends will gather to celebrate Rich’s life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice, honoring Rich’s memory and his love for music and community.
Rich’s spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and his music will continue to inspire for generations to come.
