Obituary of Joseph J. Godlewski

Joseph John Godlewski, 89, of the Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre, passed on Friday, March 15, 2024, while in the care of the Allied Service Hospice Center, Wilkes-Barre. Born in Wilkes-Barre on December 4, 1934, he was a son to the late Joseph and Anna Lucas Godlewski. Joe grew up in the Brookside section of the city and attended local schools. He was a graduate of the James M. Coughlin High School, class of 1952. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After his term of service, he was honorably discharged. On December 31, 1955, Joseph married Mary Kolesar. Together they moved to Wilkes-Barre to start their family. Together they raised their three children Joseph, John, and Susan. Joseph was employed over his lifetime by the United States Government as a data entry specialist. His services were used by the Social Security Administration, Tobyhanna Army Depot, and the United States Postal Service until his retirement. He was truly one of the first I.T. guys for computers. Joseph was a past member of St. Benedict’s Parish, Parson; and a current member of St. Maria Goretti’s Parish, Laflin. Throughout Joe’s life, he enjoyed fishing, and hunting with his family. During the summer season, Joe’s green thumb produced a beautiful garden that he and his wife Mary were proud of. He especially enjoyed the produce that his tomato and pepper plants grew every season. Joseph was preceded in death by his loving parents Joseph and Anna, wife Mary, granddaughter Donna Urban, sister Eleanor Everett, and brother Raymond. Surviving are sons Joseph and his wife Patricia, Copenhagen, NY; John and his wife Diane, Sweet Valley; daughter Susan Urban, Wilkes-Barre; six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; sister Jean Janick and her husband Butch, Wilkes-Barre, along with nieces and nephews. Joseph’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 23, at 9:30 a.m. from the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark Street, Plains Twp. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. in St. Maria Goretti’s Church,42 Redwood Drive, Laflin. Rev. Alex Roche will be celebrant of the Mass. Interment will be held in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Wyoming. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.