Clevelanders Share Heartwarming and Hilarious Memories of Dick Goddard on Reddit

CLEVELAND, OHIO — A nostalgic Reddit thread recently brought Clevelanders together to remember and share personal stories about beloved local legend Dick Goddard. The thread, posted in the @Cleveland subreddit, began with a lighthearted anecdote from user @IAmTheNorthwestWind, recounting an encounter at SouthPark Mall where the iconic meteorologist unknowingly purchased light-up Skechers. The post sparked an outpouring of tales highlighting Goddard’s charm, kindness, and sense of humor.

One Redditor shared a touching memory of Goddard’s enthusiasm during a Q&A session about weather phenomena. "I asked him about ball lightning, and he was so excited to talk about it," wrote user u/xela321. “He even came up to me afterward to keep chatting.” Another commenter, u/aarko, recalled Goddard’s camaraderie at an animal charity event, where the weatherman invited a young reporter to share a drink and watch football.

Many of the stories underscored Goddard’s humility and generosity. User SometimesNever777 shared how their husband helped Goddard, then recovering from hip surgeries, back into his home during a service call. “Dick gave him bunches of stickers and calendars to share with family and friends,” they wrote.

In a more whimsical tale, one commenter recalled spotting Goddard at a Marilyn Manson concert in 1999 at Cleveland State University. “The entire crowd started chanting, ‘Dick! Dick!’” user abbey_kyle wrote, noting the humor of seeing the wholesome weatherman in such an unlikely setting.

The thread wasn’t without its humorous speculation about Goddard’s life. Stories ranged from his fondness for Woollybear Festival memorabilia to his legendary presence at local grocery stores and community events. Several commenters also touched on less flattering rumors, but the overwhelming sentiment was one of appreciation for his contributions to Cleveland and beyond.

Goddard, who passed away in 2020, left a lasting impact as a meteorologist, advocate for animal welfare, and cultural icon in Northeast Ohio. His approachable demeanor and penchant for engaging with fans solidified his reputation as a Cleveland treasure.

As Redditor u/IAmTheNorthwestWind put it, reflecting on the mixed but deeply human portrayal of the legend, “I truly hope that my people don’t speak of me this way once my time has come and gone and that positive impact outweighs the negative. We are all people.”

The thread, filled with laughs, fond memories, and a few heartfelt surprises, is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of Cleveland’s most cherished figures.