Julian L. Gooch, age 86, formerly of Royal Oak, Michigan, died peacefully on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Brightview Assisted Living in Norwalk. Julian was born May 11, 1931 to Jesse and Estelle (True) Gooch in Lancaster, Kentucky. Julian moved with his family at the age of 4 to Detroit, Michigan during the Great Depression. During high school, he helped with his family business and played football, basketball and baseball, ultimately earning All-State Honors. He met his future wife, Joyce Gribble, in seventh grade; they started dating in ninth grade and went on to attend Eastern Michigan University together. While in college, Julian played football and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Julian and Joyce each earned a BS in Elementary Education and they married upon graduation. Shortly thereafter, Julian was drafted to the United States Army and served with the 237th Combat Engineer Battalion from 1954-56 as a Staff Sergeant in Regensburg, Germany. After his military service, Julian returned to Royal Oak, Michigan, where he began his teaching career while completing his Master’s degree in School Administration at the University of Michigan. He initially taught sixth grade and physical education but was quickly promoted to Elementary Principal. Julian was a much beloved Principal in many elementary and middle schools over his 35-year career. Julian also served in numerous leadership roles with the Kiwanis Club of Royal Oak, the Royal Oak Schools Principals Association, St. John’s United Methodist Church and Harrisville United Methodist Church. Joyce and Julian retired to Oscoda, Michigan and enjoyed many years living on Van Etten Lake, a place where they could share their love of boating, gardening, church activities and watching the lake go by. Last July they moved to Norwalk, Connecticut to be near their daughter’s family. Julian’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted husband and a wonderful father and grandfather. Julian was also a tremendous caregiver, had a great wit and was a quiet encourager to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, with whom he would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on June 26th. He is also survived by his two children, Jill (Tom) Robey of New Canaan, Connecticut and Jeffrey L. Gooch of Lansing, Michigan as well as his grandchildren, John ‘Jack’ Julian Robey and Alexander ‘Alex’ Beck Robey. Additionally, he is survived by his sister Betty Jo (Don) Paladino. Julian leaves behind many short and long-term friendships. Memorial Services will be held on June 10that 2 p.m. at the Congregational Church of New Canaan in the Chapel, 23 Park Street, New Canaan and at a later date in Royal Oak, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Julian’s memory to the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund, which helps high school students achieve their higher education goals. Donate on-line at royaloakchamber.com