Obituary of Walter L. Godek

Walter L. Godek Sr. passed away peacefully of natural causes during the early morning hours of June 12, 2009 at Troy Hills Center, Parsippany. He was 89. Born October 18, 1919 at home in Larksville PA to Jan and Anna (nee: Tomidajewicz) Godek, he was baptized on November 2, 1919 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church by the Rev. A.A. Dreier with Walter Wojcikiewicz as Godfather and Godmother Apolonia Kendzior. He attended Plymouth High School, participated in the Civilian Conservation Corps. and worked in the local Plymouth area coal mines and a silk mill until military enlistment. A World War II veteran, he enlisted in the Navy on December 21, 1941. He participated in the North Africa Invasion Campaign aboard the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. Tuscolusa and participated in the "D" Day landings on Utah Beach aboard LST 57. He achieved the rank of Gunners Mate, First Class. Honorably discharged on October 15, 1945, he was awarded the Purple Heart for an injury received while under fire. Married to Lillian Frances Pless on October 27, 1946 at St. Simon Stock RC Church in Bronx NY, he moved with Lillian and their son Walter Jr. to Hopatcong from the Bronx in 1957. He worked as a self employed plumbing and heating contractor. He was the owner/operator of Advanced Plumbing and Heating for over 40 years in the Greater Hopatcong area. In retirement he enjoyed golf and was an active and loving grandparent to his grandchildren, Wendy and Jon. He was very much engaged in family activities and was proud to live unassisted into his late 80's. At the age of 87 he moved with his wife Lillian to Paragon Village in Mt. Olive. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Queen of the Lakes Council, exempt fireman of Hopatcong Fire Company #4 and a parishioner of St. Jude RC Church. Hopatcong. Beloved husband of Lillian Francis Godek. Devoted father of Walter Godek Jr. of Hackettstown. Loving grandfather of Wendy Lynn Godek of Brooklyn NY and Jon Lawrence Godek of Hackettstown. Dear father-in-law of Jan Godek of Long Valley NJ. Dear brother of Donald Godek of Plymouth PA and the late Louis, John, Stanley, Josephine, Jesse, Agnes and Gertrude.