Kenneth Gotay
June 20, 2019
Kenneth “Goat” Gotay of Crystal River, Florida age 54, passed away on June 19, 2019. He was born to the late Raul A. Gotay and Ruth S. Gotay on October 18, 1964 in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in Gainesville, Florida Kenneth attended Gainesville High School. He later became a member of the Free Mason Masonic Lodge and worked as a locksmith for the UF Physical Plant. He always enjoyed spending time with his kids, spending time on the water fishing, scalloping, looking at manatees and was a licensed boat captain, who couldn’t wait to start his own business. Kenneth is survived by his partner, Sheila Frisbie, his three children, Amanda Marie Gotay, Ashley Dyan Bean (Jacob), Kenneth Timothy Gotay, sister Linette Gotay, a niece and nephew and extended family in Florida and Puerto Rico.
Kenny was friend to everyone and life of the party. He made friends everywhere he went and was the most laid-back guy you would have ever meet. Donations can be made to Citrus County Chapter CCA (Coastal Conservation Association) or to https://www.gofundme.com/f/kenny-goat?teamInvite=t5yoI1H4x2tzC4usBAO4bTtlg1PMAPpHkgxkCpOxHqVBr4wMxZqjYAFv1dIFWm0F.
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Our hearts are broken for you: Marie, Ashley & Tim. We are so incredibly sad at the loss of your father and our long time friend. We have had a lot of good times over the years. We will cherish all of those memories. We love you! – Mark, Kim, Joshua, Logan, Stephanie, Alexis and Hunter.
Kenny my soul bother we shared lots of good fishing times together. Prayers to the family . He will always be in my heart.
My heart breaks for his kids and family. He was always so full of life and personality. I will always remember his great “go get er’” attitude about everything. Prayers to you all.
To the family and close friends to Kenny, we send our heartfelt condolences and prayers. I knew Kenny in high school and always
remembered what a stand guy he was. I think he was born with a
mustache, and a big smile. That's how I will remember him.
God Bless, Josh Kushner
My heart is so broken ,, You were one of the kindest most generous and caring people I’ve ever met in my life you will always and forever be in my heart. My condolences to the family rest in peace sweet Kenny
Soar high with the angels brother. You will forever be missed!
My Heart hurts. I’ve lost too many friends at GHS from our State CMO Team. Kenny introduced me to my Bride of 34 yrs. we spent a lot of time together in our youth as the blood and sweat we shared on the field can’t be erased from the memory. Kenny, I love you man and I wish I could have been on patrol that night as I’d of either saved you or we’d of gone to our Father in Heaven together. WE WILL SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN.
“Scared, say Scared” Go Canes and I’ll see ya soon!!!
We are so sad about this news. We know Kenny through UF. He was hard working, very efficient, friendly and respectful. Kenny will be missed. Our prayers are with his family.
Rest in peace my friend till we meet again my condolences to your family 🙏💔😢
Can't believe it was you, Kenny. I heard the sirens from my house and paused for a moment. Something told me those sirens were different this time. Godspeed to you. May you find a fishing spot that you can enjoy for eternity, Captain Gotay. My condolences to the family. Kenny was a good man.
I'm so sorry for your loss… Kenny is now in heaven with my daughter, watching over Us…
Praying for yall…
To Amanda, Ashley and Tim, my heartfelt condolences. He will be greatly missed and loved you guys with all his heart.
Linette,
May God bless Kenny's Soul and may God bless you and your family.
My heart goes out to Kenny's family and friends. I met Kenny in middle school (Ft. Clark). He was a great guy. He will be truly missed 🙁
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Kenny. I knew him from UF. He was such a sweet, sweet man. My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of sorry.
Kenny and I go back to high school and had gotten to be really close friends over the past four years or so. We had several memorable fishing trips at Crystal River, Sarasota, and Lake O. Was hoping he’d come down to fish with me this weekend. Sadly that won’t happen.We will fish again one day!! I miss you brother! And will never forget you! One of the best people I’ve had the privilege of knowing and calling my friend!!
Goat,
May God bless your family through this time, knowing that you are at peace sitting beside him in his kingdom… probably figuring out the next fishing spot
We love ya brother and you will always be in our hearts.
J & j
Goat,
Lotta fun and special times we all had together.
May God bless your family through this time though we don’t understand why the good always goes so early but, we know it’s in his master plan. We also know that you’re at peace brother, sitting beside the Almighty in his kingdom… Probably arguing with him where the best place To wet a hook.
We love you always Goat and always will you be close to our hearts
Goat,
We will truly miss you. May God bless your family through this time knowing you're at peace sitting beside him in his kingdom.. probably arguing where the best place to wet a hook and what to use.
A lot of fun times over the years remembering one time you got me hooked on something so big it pulled the boat.
Rest my brother we will always love you and keep you close to our hearts.
So Sorry! I'm in Shock My forever friend, I remember the good sports conversations that we have about Gator Football, High Schools Baseball and Basketball, after we came out of the First Assembly Church in G'ville. You always Lit up a room with your smile, because all the good reflections in you. I'm not saying goodbye, I'm saying hasta luego…Rest easy Kenny Gotay. #BLESSINGS
I went to school at GHS with him and Lynette . He was always so cool and fun! A real tragedy. My condolences to the family and all his many friends , Rest In Peace Buddy 😇😢
I'm so torn by the news of Kenny passing away. So strange how Paynes Prairie has become dangerous to what wasn't much growing up in Gainesville. Kenny, we never got to fish together so you owe that to me still. Love you my friend. May you rest in peace and find our fellow ACR's in Heaven.
RIP Kenny!; you have been an amazing friend in my life since we were 15 years old…not that long ago really. Thank you for the talks, advice and laughs through the years. My heart goes out to your kids or ATM as you liked to call them. Marie, Ashley and Timmy, your partner Sheila who I never had the pleasure to meet but am so glad you found happiness with, your sister Linette and of course Gabbie and Jacob. I know what a loss this must be for them. The dash between your years was lived to the fullest my friend. 1964 – 2019. Siempre
My old friend, remember the first day of school when you got on the bus, you had a mustash in 7th grade. 8th grade graduation and the ER. High School passing notes and having to take our desk on the balcony in Mr. Scunion's math class. Both our love of sports, fishing and hunting. You will be missed, your fond memories will alway's be with me and my husband playing football with you and Rusty. God has two good people, too soon.
I wish I had called, wish I had texted more. Kenny was one of the good ones and will be missed very very much. I love you, sweet friend! XO
Amanda, Ashely and Timothy, I am so sorry for your loss. Kenny was one of the most generous persons that I have ever met. I never really got a chance to thank him and Mandy for how grateful I was that they took me in as one of their own. We always looked forward to hanging out watching movies, playing video games and going fishing. Those were some wonderful memories that I will always cherish. Thank you for sharing you dad with me. May Kenny Rest In Peace and I will have you all in my prayers during this difficult moment.
My mom is still in Gville and shred this nes with me. Though it has been a long time since I saw Kenny and Linette there was a special bond back in the day. I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear of your loss. May your memories bring you peace.
Goat, saw you last year at a memorial for a friend and fellow football teammate that had passed too soon. We talked about that and about other things but mostly we talked about going fishing sometime. We never did. Now you’ve sailed on ahead to scout out some good fishing spots in Heaven. I’ll meet you there one day.
It’s been said: “In the end, we remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” It’s true to a point. However, I can still hear you reminding us during pregame preparations to “Shut up and think about the game!” Your intensity was infectious and got our heads straight. Thank you for that.
I hope that when your kids think of you they know how proud you are of them. Rest in Peace Kenny. May God bless your family and friends.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I only met Kenny once and I could tell he was an amazing person. He made Sheila very happy and I'm so sorry he's gone..
Ken was such a pleasant person when he came to the front desk here. His laid back attitude and charismatic personality were the highlight of many days. To hear this news is heartbreaking and my heart goes out to the family. He always talked about his family and that brought joy to my heart. So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
I was saddened to hear about your passing on the news. You taught me a lot when you were my customer at work. I will miss the back and forth ribbing we used to do.
It is so hard to believe that in just 22 days you have been gone from us for an entire year. You were such a huge part of my life for so long and even though I denied it vehemently maybe "you did know me" as you laughed your butt off and I gave you the look. I will forever remember that laugh and your infectious smile. The shenanigans we got into over the years, living in Hidden Village, Hooters, Lake Wauberg, Tampa, and of course UF…. Someday maybe when the phone rings I won't stop for just a second and think "What do you want?! expecting you to be on the other end of the line laughing as usual. Missing you my friend until we meet again.