Bernard Anthony Goetz, Jr

Bernard Anthony (Tony) Goetz passed away on January 18, 2025. Tony was the son of the late Bernard Anthony and Mary Eulalia Blandford Goetz of Owensboro/Rome, Kentucky. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy of 56 years; his daughter, Dianna Vaught of Boynton Beach, Florida; son, Michael Goetz of Lexington, Kentucky; grandson, Brandon Vaught and great grandson, Brooks Vaught of Boynton Beach, Florida. In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his brother, Steve. He is also survived by his brothers, Larry (Marcia) Goetz of Cumming, Georgia, and Rev. Ray Goetz of Owensboro and brother in law, Jay Demuynck. He is also survived by his sisters, Angela

Wink, of Owensboro, Kentucky; Sylvia McCauley of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Elaine Hartle (Gary) of Monument, Colorado.

Tony received his bachelor’s degree from Brescia University and his master’s degree from the University of Kentucky. Early in his career, he served as Executive Director of the Owensboro Council for Retarded Children, the Blue Grass Association for Mental Retardation, the Blue Grass Regional Health Planning Council and the East Kentucky Health Systems Agency. During this time, he traveled throughout Kentucky and was a strong advocate for rural health, mental health, and other health care activities.

For more than 25 years, Tony served in various capacities at the University of Kentucky, including Director of Government Relations and Associate Dean of the College of Medicine. He was actively involved in decision-making and was a consistent advocate for the welfare of patients and for improved healthcare in rural Kentucky. He was highly responsible for some of the current programs at the College of Medicine, including the University of Kentucky Center for Rural Health in Hazard and the Area Health Education Centers, which educate health science students clinically in rural practices.

As Director of Government relations for the University, Tony worked not only for the University of Kentucky but for the well-being of the people of Kentucky. He was actively involved in legislative activities in Frankfort, and he earned the trust of every legislator and member of the administrative branch. His honesty and straightforward dealings with legislators were greatly appreciated, which was shown by his appointment to the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission. During the Fletcher administration, he served as the governor’s liaison with the Kentucky State Senate and the Kentucky Department of Transportation. He was also the legislative liaison for the Kentucky League of Cities. Throughout his career with the University, Tony was also in direct contact with the Washington legislative delegation, and he was greatly respected there for his knowledge of healthcare and people in the healthcare community.

Tony Goetz spent most of his life dedicated to improving access to healthcare and educational opportunities for the people of the Commonwealth, especially those in rural and underserved areas. Above all, Tony’s character and personality launched valuable relationships with his many colleagues and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Pax Christi Catholic Church on February 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM, led by Father Patrick Stewart and Father Raymond Goetz. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 9:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to Pax Christi Catholic Church, 4001 Victoria Way, Lexington, Ky. 40515-4655.