Joseph B. Godlewsky, age 65, of Great Meadows, NJ died Monday, June 12, 2023 at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, Hackettstown, NJ. Joseph was born January 24, 1958 in Newton, NJ to Genevieve (Sosnovik) Godlewsky and the late Joseph S. Godlewsky.
Joseph was the Co-owner and operator of Godlewsky Farms & Greenhouses in Great Meadows, NJ with his sister Patricia, and brother in-law Thomas. Joe was a 1976 graduate of Hackettstown High School, where he was an avid athlete and student.
Joseph was a devout catholic, who enjoyed praying the rosary daily with his mother.
He was a larger than life figure, known for his strength and firm grip. In reality he was a gentle bear of a man, with a large and generous heart.
Born and raised on the rich black muck soil of Great Meadows he had a passion for farming. He often could be found in his New Holland tractor during the day and late into the night. Known to many as “Big Joe” or “Joe Goody” one representing his grand stature and the other of the legacy left on by his father was something he took great pride in. Joe could fix anything and enjoyed learning how things worked and could be improved. Many a local farmer, or friend would come seeking his advice on how to repair an endless range of equipment. Joseph had a boundless love of people and was never short with a conversation and big smile.
Joseph is survived by his devoted mother Genevieve (Sosnovik) Godlewsky, his brother Richard Godlewsky and wife JoAnne, four sisters; Patricia Godlewsky Swider and husband Thomas, Barbara Horutz and husband Dave, Catherine Bill and husband Robert, Linda Godlewsky-Ugi and husband David, nieces and nephews, Tricia Betterly and husband Philip, Rachael Simmons and husband Brant, Stefania Swider, Justin Bill and wife Katie, Gregory Bill and wife Alexis, Catherine, Andrew, Peter, Michael and Dominic Godlewsky, great nieces, Audrey and Jillian Bill and many cousins and close friends.
Visitation hours will be Friday, June 16 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ.
The funeral mass will be held 11:00 am on Saturday, June 17 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 103 Gould Avenue, North Caldwell, NJ with Father Kevin Robinson officiating.
Burial will be in held at Pequest Union Cemetery, Great Meadows following the service approximately 2pm.
A repast will be held after the burial at the Parish Hall of Saints Peter and Paul Church Great Meadows, NJ
Condolences(18)-
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Sandy Cortright says
June 14, 2023 at 6:52 pmDear Family,
I can’t begin to tell you how sad I am to heat about Joe, loved him dearly. One of my most favorite people. I will say a prayer that he and Al are together again. My thoughts are with all of you.
Melissa says
June 18, 2023 at 10:25 amJoe was always so kind to my Dad Victor Mickey Klimas always letting him drive that old John Deere Green farm truck! He also had acrush on my cuz Michaleene Malaska lol. I am certain Joe helped my Dad out of many blunders Vic got him self into. I can only imagine you and Mickey talking tractors in heaven. Joseph may Jesus hold you in His peaceful arms.
Michaeleen says
June 18, 2023 at 10:56 pmJoe and I were lifelong friends. I always loved his respectful and kind, loving nature. My condolences to Patty and all of the family. Rest in peace, Joe, and I hope you and Tim are reminiscing in heaven.
Cheryl Sosnovik Teke says
June 14, 2023 at 6:59 pmSo very sorry to hear about your brother. I remember him fondly, always working on the farm. My prayers go out to you all during these difficult days…and may Joey Rest In Peace….Sincerely, Chery Bayer Teke and family♥
Jane Wood says
June 14, 2023 at 7:11 pmMy condolences to all the Godlewsky Family. I just saw Joseph Monday before he passed. God Bless all his family and give them strength during this difficult time.
Lorraine Ozyjowski/Grabinski says
June 15, 2023 at 5:04 pmMay you find comfort in this time of grief my heart goes out to the family
David Bryk says
February 18, 2024 at 8:51 pmMy deepest sympathy
Jules says
June 14, 2023 at 8:00 pmI am so deeply sorry to hear this. I come every year for all of our flower and vegetable plants and last year, I spent almost an hour talking to him since I came at a less busy time. He was the nicest man and loved his family, his farm and God. I send you and your family prayers and hope that the memories we share bring you a bit of comfort. May he rest in peace.
Close the Gate – By Nancy Kraayenhof
For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head,
Your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed.
Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended,
Put away your tools and sleep in peace. The fences have all been mended.
You raised a fine family, worked the land well and always followed the Son,
Hang up your shovel inside of the barn; your work here on earth is done.
A faith few possess led your journey through life, often a jagged and stony way,
The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day.
Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine wine,
Wash off your work boots in the puddle left by blessed rain one final time.
You always believed that the good Lord would provide and He always had somehow,
Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now.
Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait,
Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate.
Sheila Shores says
June 15, 2023 at 12:34 amJoe, you were a true friend and mentor to many. The skills, knowledge, kindness and faith you shared with others will live on forever. I will miss your smile, our talks and your big belly laughs. Rest in peace my friend🙏🏻
Kaitlin DiBernard says
June 15, 2023 at 1:21 amThe Tilney family is deeply saddened by this loss and will remember Joey very fondly as a larger than life, kind friend and neighbor. His frequent visits to our Allamuchy home, and our time spent at the farm with him will be treasured. May he rest in peace.
Karen L Rudd says
June 15, 2023 at 10:19 amStephanie, Patty and Family
May God wrap arm you and the entire family and give you peace. We love you all and are so blessed to have known Joe.
Love always,
Eric, Karen Aj and Alyssa Rudd
Barbara Swider says
June 15, 2023 at 8:56 pmMy sincere sympathy to all the Godlewsky family on the loss of Joe. It was always a good time when I would have a chance to talk to him on my trips to the greenhouses. May he Rest In Peace and may God’s love ease the pain of the loss for his family and friends.
John Kirdzik says
June 16, 2023 at 5:54 pmJoe was a good neighbor, friend,and person He was always there if I needed a helping hand. My deepest condolences to Mrs Godlewski and family. May God grant Joe eternal peace and life
Sharon (Schlomer) & Pat Housel (Florida) says
June 16, 2023 at 8:33 pmDear Patty & all the families,
I am so very sorry to read about your loss of your loved one. Sincerely
Kevin Smith says
June 16, 2023 at 9:21 pmPatty and the Godlewski family, my condolences to you all. It was always a pleasure to see and talk to Joe at the farm. Always a handshake and a smile. My prayers are with you all.
Eddie meeker says
June 16, 2023 at 11:55 pmI’ve known Joe since kindergarten…. In high school we broke our arms together…I’ve never known a kinder soul…condolences to his family…..God had your place saved Joe…rest in peace buddy…
Robert Cataldo says
June 21, 2023 at 7:50 pmI met Joe about 10 years ago while I was doing some work on an adjacent property. Joe was always open to share information and was very helpful when I had questions. Although I didn’t know Joe personally, what I took away from our interactions was that Joe was a good, honest and very hard working person…..someone you could trust when he gave you his word It was always a pleasure meeting with him. He was a good man and I will miss speaking with him next time I’m out at the farm.
Sherry and Tony says
August 1, 2023 at 5:32 pmThoughts and prayers for family and friends Joe will be deeply missed. Definitely will miss speaking with him no matter how busy he was took the time to talk.
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