Phillip "Poncho" Goston-Brady

Phillip Goston-Brady was born to Florida Goston and Phillip Kaplan on June 26, 1956 in Chicago, IL. He was the fourth child of nine children. Phillip passed away on January 7, 2025. He had one son and two grandsons.

Phillip received Christ at an early age.

To everyone who knew Phillip, he was affectionately known as Poncho. He enjoyed dressing in his best clothes, his many pairs of alligator cowboy boots, his infamous different styles of hats and his very cool shades. Poncho enjoyed sitting around his family and friends telling the most flamboyant stories, especially the ones about his time in the military. Poncho had a passion for eating good food.

Phillip enlisted in the United States Army after graduating from Austin High School in1973. He served active duty from 1973 to 1976. After returning home, he remained in the Army Reserve until 1990. Phillip returned to active duty in 1990 until 1992. During his service, Phillip participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Middle East and Southwest Asia. Upon completing his career in the United States Army, Phillip was a Grade E5 Sargeant. Phillip’s service decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, The National Defense Service Medal, The Southwest Asia Service Medal, The Bronze Service Star, The Army Commendation Medal, The Overseas Service Bar and Military Police Specialty 95B20 Recognition.

Phillip is preceded in death by: His mother, Florida Goston; his father, Phillip Kaplan;his stepfather, Freddie Blue; his eldest brother, Willie Goston; and a younger sister,Patricia Goston.

Phillip leaves to cherish his memories: His son, Joseph (Dianne) Goston; two grandsons, James Goston and Demontae Goston; four sisters, Mary Goston, Elizabeth (Sidney) Hawkins, Wendy (Samuel) Goston-Neal and Benita (Rodney) Rembert; two brothers, James Goston and Brian Blue; one uncle, Willie Lee Burnett; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Poncho’s memory will live on forever in our heart. Rest well Poncho, you will surely be missed.