John, Kathleen, & Sharon Syrian / Donald T. Goss Fund
This fund honors the lives and values of the Syrian and Goss families by supporting local charitable causes in a rotating cycle, including clothing assistance for children, Catholic organizations, and public beautification projects.
TYPE OF FUND: Designated
DATE ESTABLISHED: Established (and amended in memory of Don Goss) Dec. 10, 2003
PURPOSE: Established by Saundra Syrian Goss and family to honor the memory of her parents John & Kathleen Syrian, sister Sharon Syrian, and husband, Donald T. Goss.
DISTRIBUTION: Upon the recommendation of the Grants Committee and approval of the Board of Directors of TCF, funds will be distributed to the following entities on a 3-year rotating basis:
Warm the Children – to provide clothing for needy children
Knights of Columbus of St. Thomas and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Churches
Any public garden project (public park and/or public park board and/or public garden and/or garden club beautification project)
In the event any of the above named recipients are disbanded, the TCF Board of Directors may redirect the funds with preference given to:
Like-minded organizations as named above
Catholic students for continuing education
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church for special occasion flowers or garden projects
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.
FUNDING: Initiated by Saundra Syrian Goss, family members, and friends, Aug. 14, 2001.
BACKGROUND: John A. Syrian, a first-generation Italian American, was a high school athlete, WWII and Korean War veteran, and a devoted father and husband who loved golf.
Kathleen Gordon Syrian was a devoted mother and homemaker, known for her gardening, sewing, and deep involvement in Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church.
Sharon Syrian, a graduate of Parsons High School and WV Beauty School, was a dedicated mother and business owner in Martinsburg, WV, who died unexpectedly in 1990.
Donald Thomas Goss, husband to Saundra, was a long-time Tucker County resident and civic leader. He served as postmaster in Aurora, WV, and was known for his dedication despite managing Type 1 diabetes and later receiving a heart transplant. Don was passionate about gardening, art, and community service.
