Robert "Bob" Gould

Robert (Bob) Gould, age 91, of Johnstown, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025 from a short illness, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Binghamton, NY to Allen and Mildred (Price) Gould, grew up in Johnstown, NY, and graduated from Johnstown High School. He earned a BA in English from St. Lawrence University and served honorably in the United States Army.

Bob returned to Johnstown and joined his father as owners of Gould’s Department Store, a Main Street fixture across four decades. At 27, he was the youngest president of the Johnstown Chamber of Commerce and continually sought to make Johnstown a destination for shopping and entertainment. The Gould’s Holiday parade drew upwards of 7,000 spectators annually, and the July 4th Knox Field fireworks displays he founded were yearly highlights. He was a mayoral candidate in 1989, and co-founded Guided Tours of Johnstown, showcasing its rich history to school tours and visitors.

Bob’s other passion was music. He rang the carillon at St. Lawrence and First Presbyterian Church, where he was also an Elder, and worshipped faithfully at other local congregations. As a lifelong piano player and choir member, he tirelessly sought to bring people together in song. His group “The Bobcats” entertained thousands over two decades, he sang in the Mohawk Valley Chorus, and performed with St. John’s Presents.  

His biggest joys, though, were in relationships and personal connection. Bob went out of his way to make others feel welcome. Bob never met a stranger; anyone he didn’t know was simply a future friend. No one was too young to entertain, or too old to learn something new. One only had to say “yes” to his invitation.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Doris Gould; daughter, Terry Gould; sons, Thomas Gould (Lisa) and James Gould; grandchildren, Ryan and Sarah; stepchildren Jeff Emmeluth (Ruthie), Lisa Anderson (Brian) and grandchildren Garrett and Lindsay. He was preceded in death by his brother, Frederick. His family and friends will forever remember his energy and enthusiasm for life, his dedication to his community, his love for music, and the twinkle in his eye.

A celebration of his life will be held on May 10 at 11am at Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church (MCPC).

His family asks that any memorial donations be made in his name to MCPC.

Online condolences may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com