Godding, Robert Joseph, 86, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2009, in Pembroke, MA. Born on July 3, 1922, he was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Elizabeth (Kinsley). Bob will be remembered fondly and greatly missed by his six children: Robert J. Godding, Jr. of Chapel Hill, NC, Karen A. Dougherty of Norton, MA, Paul D. Godding of Pembroke, MA, Mark R. Godding of Attleboro, MA, Gregory J. Godding of Dorchester, MA, and Linda M. Downey of Wakefield, MA, their spouses, his twelve grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and his partner since 1994, Florence Doucette of Taunton, MA.
He was a loving husband and father who served in the United States Army and Marine Corp prior to and during, WWII. Bob was a retired teamster who grew up in Boston, but spent some time as a teenager in the CCCs in Wyoming and Colorado. He was a respected worker who loved to make his many friends laugh and smile. He was a kind and caring man who lived a long and meaningful life, usually with a song in his heart. He was also a talented amateur athlete who boxed and played baseball, football, and hockey. As a golfer, he regularly beat “the younger guys” well into his 80’s. All will miss his broad smile, his wit and sense of humor.
Visiting hours in the John J. O’Connor & Son Funeral Home, 740 Adams St. (near Gallivan Blvd) DORCHESTER, on Wednesday from 4-8pm. Funeral Mass in St. Gregory’s Church, Thursday morning at 11 o’clock. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment Cedar Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Robert’s name to The American Cancer Society.