Dr. John Corban Goble died November 7, 2009 in a helicopter accident prior to a Veteran’s Day Air Show in southern California. He was 58.
Born in Pittsburg to G.C. and Mildred (Matheny) Goble on July 17, 1951, John attended Pittsburg schools and graduated from PHS in 1969. From there his education included the U.S. Naval Academy, Penn State University, Johns Hopkins University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute whereby he was awarded his Bachelors, two Masters Degrees and his Doctorate.
John was President and CEO of Sectra North America, a worldwide medical service company specializing in the detection and prevention of disease using medical imaging techniques. A Vietnam veteran, John previously held key positions at the National Institutes of Health, Albany Medical Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the University of Virginia and Hewlett Packard.
While at Hewlett Packard, John co-patented a breakthrough imaging technique that eliminated the need for exploratory surgery. He has six medical patents and published over 20 research papers in his field. His work has been featured in National Geographic and exhibited at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.
John was an accomplished pilot and held both commercial and instrument rated pilot licenses. He was an expert marksman and enjoyed raising Springer Spaniels. Flying, however, was his passion.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Colleen (Gradwell) Goble of Easton, CT and his mother Mildred of Pittsburg. Also surviving are two brothers Jim, of Knoxville, TN and Jeff, of Mission Hills, KS. John had five nephews and a niece who all adored him: Grayson, Grant, Gretchen, Corban, Clark and Andrew. He was preceded in death by his father G.C. “Corb” Goble in 1969. Corb was principal of Lincoln School in Pittsburg for 19 years.
Arrangements are pending. Local arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg. Online condolences may be left at www.brennermortuary.com.
EASTON, Conn. —
