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Tribute to Warren Goercke If it was in his capacity, Warren Goercke would make certain that no family went without provisions and that no child suffered poor health or lacked loving kindness. These were, for the entirety of his life, the virtues that Warren radiated upon all who were fortunate enough to feel his presence. If it was in his capacity, Warren Goercke would make certain that no family went without provisions and that no child suffered poor health or lacked loving kindness. These were, for the entirety of his life, the virtues that Warren radiated upon all who were fortunate enough to feel his presence. Warren Jack Goercke was born in Mather Hospital to Elizabeth and Otto Goercke on May 1, 1953 in Port Jefferson. He spent his formative years in Sound Beach, attending Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, while also working with his family at Otto’s Bakery. In 1973, Warren received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science at Suffolk County Community College. He continued his studies at Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry concurrently. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University as well as a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies from SUNY ESF, respectively, in 1975. This was a landmark year for Warren, as he would begin his family life, marrying his wife of 45-years, Karen, on October 11, 1975. Warren and Karen would raise six children, showering affection on their five grand-children, while also caring for both of their mothers, who stayed with them. Warren had a long, productive career with Allstate Motor Club, working eight years in Multi-Line Claims Management. In 1986, he transitioned to the position of Northeast Territory Field Manager, and was then promoted to National Field Manager, which he maintained for the next eighteen years. While working for Allstate, Warren furthered his studies, receiving his M.B.A. from Dowling College. In 2009, Warren began working for the Town of Islip, lending his expertise and devotion to the community he cherished, first as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Works and then as Subrogation Specialist, retiring in 2015. Always civic-minded, Warren became an active-member of the Rotary Club of Patchogue, serving as President for one-year and as Chair of the Gift of Life Program. Because of his huge heart and tireless efforts, children worldwide benefited from life-saving heart surgery through this program. Warren also volunteered as Assistant Scout Master for his sons’ troops and as a soccer coach for his daughters’ teams. A lover of history and follower of social issues, Warren served on the Town of Islip’s Democratic Committee, and was ever-mindful of and vocal about social justice issues He frequently posted historical pictures online of local landmarks, recounting his memories and sometimes leaving polemical remarks, ribbing his friends on the right. But Warren was always good-natured, and never allowed differences to turn to feuds. Warren was devoted to his faith, regularly attending Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church and participating in a weekly bible study at the Sayville Methodist Church. He assisted with the 100-year church restoration projects and was also a religious education instructor. Warren felt a true affinity to nature, enjoying his time boating and fishing on the waters of the Long Island Sound, the Southshore, and the Great South Bay. He would regularly visit Watch Hill and Davis Park, and was even Commodore of the Sayville Yacht Club in 2004. Warren also loved digging around in his garden, and bird watching, occasionally posting pictures online of the feathered friends who would visit his family’s bird feeders. In 2012, Warren experienced a series of health-related challenges. He was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Nine months later, he developed Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Unresponsive to treatment, Warren was placed on a waiting list for bone-marrow transplant. As a person who had given so much to others in his life, perhaps it seemed only right when, on September 23, 2014, this generosity of spirit was returned to him. Warren was the recipient of bone-marrow transplant. His family is forever grateful to Mo Bernal, whose unforgettable act of kindness was life-giving. Sadly, the person who represented the best in all of us, passed far too soon, leaving us at the age of 67. We mourn his passing, but give thanks to have known and loved him. Warren is survived by his wife, Karen, his children Alexandra (Mekiell), Michelle (Bryan), John, Phillip, and Paul, and grandchildren Zoe, Noelle, Quincy, Teddy, and Kobe. Warren was pre-deceased by his beloved son, Kevin, brothers, Otto and Douglas, and his parents, Elizabeth and Otto. Warren Jack Goercke was born in Mather Hospital to Elizabeth and Otto Goercke on May 1, 1953 in Port Jefferson. He spent his formative years in Sound Beach, attending Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, while also working with his family at Otto’s Bakery. In 1973, Warren received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science at Suffolk County Community College. He continued his studies at Syracuse University and SUNY University concurrently, earning Bachelor’s of Science Degrees in Forestry and Environmental Science, respectively, in 1975. This was a landmark year for Warren, as he would begin his family life, marrying his wife of 45-years, Karen, on October 11, 1975. Warren and Karen would raise six children, showering affection on their five grand-children, while also caring for both of their mothers, who stayed with them. Warren had a long, productive career with Allstate Motor Club, working eight years in Multi-Line Claims Management. In 1986, he transitioned to the position of Northeast Territory Field Manager, and was then promoted to National Field Manager, which he maintained for the next eighteen years. While working for Allstate, Warren furthered his studies, receiving his M.B.A. from Dowling College. In 2009, Warren began working for the Town of Islip, lending his expertise and devotion to the community he cherished, first as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Works and then as Subrogation Specialist, retiring in 2015. Always civic-minded, Warren became an active-member of the Rotary Club of Patchogue, serving as President for one-year and as Chair of the Gift of Life Program. Because of his huge heart and tireless efforts, children worldwide benefited from life-saving heart surgery through this program. Warren also volunteered as Assistant Scout Master for his sons’ troops and as a soccer coach for his daughters’ teams. A lover of history and follower of social issues, Warren served on the Town of Islip’s Democratic Committee, and was ever-mindful of and vocal about social justice issues He frequently posted historical pictures online of local landmarks, recounting his memories and sometimes leaving polemical remarks, ribbing his friends on the right. But Warren was always good-natured, and never allowed differences to turn to feuds. Warren was devoted to his faith, regularly attending Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church and participating in a weekly bible study at the Sayville Methodist Church. He assisted with the 100-year church restoration projects and was also a religious education instructor. Warren felt a true affinity to nature, enjoying his time boating and fishing on the waters of the Long Island Sound, the Southshore, and the Great South Bay. He would regularly visit Watch Hill and Davis Park, and was even Commodore of the Sayville Yacht Club in 2004. Warren also loved digging around in his garden, and bird watching, occasionally posting pictures online of the feathered friends who would visit his family’s bird feeders. In 2012, Warren experienced a series of health-related challenges. He was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Nine months later, he developed Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Unresponsive to treatment, Warren was placed on a waiting list for bone-marrow transplant. As a person who had given so much to others in his life, perhaps it seemed only right when, on September 23, 2014, this generosity of spirit was returned to him. Warren was the recipient of bone-marrow transplant. His family is forever grateful to Mo Bernal, whose unforgettable act of kindness was life-giving. Sadly, the person who represented the best in all of us, passed far too soon, leaving us at the age of 67. We mourn his passing, but give thanks to have known and loved him. Warren is survived by his wife, Karen, his children Alexandra (Mekiell), Michelle (Bryan), John, Phillip, and Paul, and grandchildren Zoe, Noelle, Quincy, Teddy, and Kobe. Warren was pre-deceased by his beloved son, Kevin, brothers, Otto and Douglass, and his parents, Elizabeth and Otto.

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Warren J. Goercke

May 1, 1953 - July 30, 2020

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Warren J. Goercke

May 1, 1953 - July 30, 2020

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