He died of arteriosclerosis and emphysema, which was not diagnosed until after his death.
He considered retiring at age 75, but was persuaded to stay on 'Guiding Light'. His contract was renewed until 1975, but Goetz died before it expired.
He portrayed Pa Bauer in 'Guiding Light' for a total of 24 years (including the radio years). At the time, this was the longest a soap actor had ever portrayed a single role.
Fled to America when Mussolini grabbed power. Upon his arrival in New York, he learned English by watching movies. He never returned to Europe.