John Robert Godwin

Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather John “Jack” Robert Godwin passed away on June 3rd 2021 in Chester County PA. Born 12/20/34, he was 86.  Jack is preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and Carroll Godwin, his brother Mel, and his nephew Bob.  

Jack was born and raised in Brooklyn NY and received his education from Immaculata High School, St John’s University (Brooklyn) and St. Vincent’s College (Latrobe, PA).  He met the love of his life Camille (Gartner) while working at Northeast Airlines(now Delta) at Idlewild Airport.  He spent his entire career as an educator, inspiring adolescents as a High School English Teacher at West Islip High School on Long Island.  He was also the founder and director for over a decade of the West Islip St Patrick’s Day Run to financially support W.I. sports.

Jack was a huge Brooklyn Dodgers, NY Giants, NY Islanders, and eventually New York Yankees fan; he also followed all Navy sports. He enjoyed golf (when he played a good round) and was happiest when he and his family and friends spent summers at Lake George.  Jack, Camille, Jamie and Kim would frequently be boating, snorkeling, cliff jumping(into his 80s), water skiing, or tubing.  These traditions he would eventually pass on to all his grandchildren. A close second to sports, Jack was a historian and frequent reader.  The NYT and books on history, particularly World Wars and his doppelgänger Abraham Lincoln were frequently in his hand. 

At his very core, Jack was all about his family and brought them together as often as possible.  

Jack is survived by his loving wife and best friend Camille, his Son Jamie and Daughter-in-law Tonya, Daughter Kim and Son-in-law Brendan, Grandchildren Savannah, Taylor, Jake, Jillian, Connor, and Jenna; to his grandchildren he will always be their Pepa. Jack also leaves behind his sIster Carol and her children.

Jack and Camille lived most of their life on Long Island and then enjoyed retirement stops in Florida, the San Juan Islands (WA), Brooklyn and Chester County Pennsylvania.  

Jack will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at a place special to his heart, northern Lake George.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Doctors WithoutBorders: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ or a charity of your choice in his name.  

Rest in Peace Jack/Dad/Pepa.  

The irony of you departing mid-day, just so you could ‘beat the traffic’ is not lost on any of us.  Your wisdom has affected multiple generations and we will always remember you as our Patriarch.