Obituaries

Joseph Godwin, 89, was born in Depew, New York, the third son to Partrick Francis Godwin and Mary Bernice Sweeney.

Joseph graduated with honors from Elmira Catholic High School, Elmira New York in 1953. In his yearbook, it says that he was known for his individuality and outspokenness, for being a human encyclopedia – a genius – with a great capacity for work and for being a cheerful helper. This was true throughout his life.

Joe served in the U. S. Army from July 1954 through July 1957 and became a U.S. Army Microwave Radio Specialist.

Joe believed in constant learning and attended many colleges throughout his life including Compton College (1959), El Camino College (1960), University of Southern California (1963), Physics of Failure Seminars (1963 – 1982), Ohlone College Supervisory Management (1991-1992).

Joe moved to Northern California in the mid-60’s and experienced the building of Silicon Valley. His career experience included being a Senior Quality Assurance & Reliability Engineer for Watkins-Johnson Company in Palo Alto (1966-1978), a Senior Reliability Engineer for Tandem Computers in Cupertino (1978-1986), a Staff Reliability Engineer for Lockheed Missiles & Space Co. in Sunnyvale (1986-1993), a Quality Engineer for Telcom Systems (1994-1996), and a Senior Component Engineer for Digital Microwave Corporation in San Jose (1996-1998). After many years in Southern California and several years in the Santa Clara area, Joe settled in Fremont in 1988 where he stayed.

Joe never married or had children; however, he loved his extended family of brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was a very generous person who liked to travel back to visit family on the East Coast and attend high school reunions. He enjoyed hosting his family members when they would visit the Bay Area. Joe loved cooking and enjoyed creating different flavorful dishes. Joe was the connection between the various family groups and was a conduit of information that kept the various parts of the family connected. Joe adored animals and had many cats throughout the years, often adopting strays. Joe was also an active member of his condominium Homeowners Association for many years and enjoyed helping manage the day-to-day needs of his community.

Joe is survived by his sister, Loretta Godwin Werely of Easton, PA, his brother, Dennis Godwin of Elmira, NY and his sisters-in-law, Kathryn Godwin of Costa Mesa, CA, Sharon Godwin of Elmira, NY and Chris Godwin of San Francisco, CA.

Joe was a longtime member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fremont and was a regular presence at the Sunday morning masses. Joe also was a longtime supporter of many groups including Notre Dame High School, St. Vincent DePaul, Fremont, and KQED Public Television.

There will be a mass at Holy Spirit and his internment will be at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA. Services are pending.

Donations can be made on Joe’s behalf to Tri-Valley Animal Shelter, Fremont. www.tricityanimalshelter.org

Joe was loved and will be missed.