Martin Godofsky Obituary

GODOFSKY Martin Godofsky, age 95, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. Martin was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Leah Metchnick Godofsky, who died in 1998, and his brothers Arthur and Irvin. Martin leaves behind his loving children, Joyce (Dr. Larrie) Greenberg, Dr. Irvin (Judge Cynthia) Godofsky, and Carol (Michael) Singer. He was a devoted "Papa" to grandchildren, Abby (Shawn) Gritz, Dr. Jeffrey (Stefanie) Greenberg, Maya (Dr. David) Parver, Johonna (Aaron) Katz, and Sara and Gabriel Singer; adoring "Zaydie Marty" to great-grandchildren, Joshua, Bradley, and Allison Gritz, and Jeremy, Adam, and Jake Greenberg. He is also survived by his loving sister, Jeanette (Ben) Seiferas; sister-in-law, Peggy Godofsky; and many nieces and nephews. Martin was born to Goldie and Hyman Godofsky on July 4, 1912 in Columbus on Mohawk St. in German Village. He attended South High School and Ohio State University School of Pharmacy, until he had a serious auto accident. He then went to work at his father's butcher shop on Parsons Avenue, where he had worked as a teenager, and decided to make the food business his life's work. Martin married Leah in 1936 and opened the first "Martin's" in 1940 in the Driving Park area. He moved the growing store to Broad Street in 1950, and expanded to the final Broad Street location in 1971, where he and his son-in-law Michael Singer remained in business until they sold the store in 1989. Throughout the decades, Martin received national recognition for his innovative and progressive business practices, such as employee profit-sharing and equal opportunity. His business acumen and relationships with his customers in the entire Columbus area, as well as throughout the Midwest, West Virginia and Kentucky, brought Martin's Foods to the forefront, especially in the area of the kosher and ethnic food business. Everyone who met Martin remembered him. He was a fine businessman who never lost sight of the importance of personal connections with everyone who came to the store. The store's reputation in the community and beyond was forged by Martin's unflagging dedication to making sure that he served his customers with genuine interest and care. Martin and Leah were generous supporters of their Jewish community, including Hadassah, Jewish National Fund, Columbus Federation, and several local synagogues. Most recently, Martin dedicated a garden in memory of Leah at Heritage House. Funeral service 3 p.m., Monday, March 10, at WEXNER HERITAGE HOUSE, 1151 College Ave., with Rabbi Cary Kozberg officiating. Burial to follow at New Agudas Achim Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at the Singer residence Monday - Thursday evenings. Memorials preferred to Wexner Heritage Village or Hadassah. Arrangements by EPSTEIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 614-235-3232. Online guestbook at www.epsteinmemorial.com. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch on Mar. 10, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Godofsky

9 Entries

Ty Austin

July 13, 2008

I worked at Martin's in 1982 and 1983. I worked in the Deli and I've always had good memories of the store and employees. This was my college job so Martin helped put me through college.

Dawn Weldon

March 13, 2008

Growing up in Whitehall, my parents made it a special outing to go to Martins, on E.Broad St. We enjoyed the fresh cut meats and would go home make a feast of roast beef, on hard rolls, your famous potato salad. Tradiditions started there and still are in my family. There was never a "True Martins Deli Market" to be found elsewhere. Mr Godofsky would tease my sister and I when we came into the store, and I believe that is where I had my very first Kosher Dill pickle, the size of my hand! What joy it was for me to have one of his daughters as my student teacher at E.Main Street School. Miss Godofsky (never knew your first name) I remember you like it was yesterday. You touched my life from those few weeks as my student teacher. That Saturday when my dad and I went to Martins for the usual, I told him you were my student teacher, he smiled and jokingly remarked " I hope you learn something from her.." I sure did. Your family has touched so many others. Thank you....

Marion & Henry Bernstein

March 11, 2008

We are so sorry to hear of Martin Godofsky's passing. As members of the extended Godofsky family, we always enjoyed talking with him at family reunions. He was a joy to be with!

Jerry & Marge Gross

March 10, 2008

So sorry to read about Martin's passing. We knew him from the Livingstson Ave. days and will always remember his warm smile and friendship

Steve Lipson

March 10, 2008

I knew Martin at the first store before he moved to Bexley. My mother took me. Going to Martin's was always a pleasure and I looked forward to Martin saying hello.
I'm entering this in the guest book on behalf of my late mother, Reva Lipson. I'm sorry I am not able to attend the service this afternoon.

Jason Swartz

March 10, 2008

I enjoyed visiting Martin when I would come into town and eating dinner with him at your house. He was a great man.

Jason

Bill and Sue Purdy

March 10, 2008

What a gentle and loving man Martin was! On so many occasions we celebrated with Michael and Carol with Martin and Leah. He had such a wonderful smile and and zest for life. He will be missed by so many and remembered by all who knew him!

Bill and Sue Purdy

PAUL CHRISTIN

March 10, 2008

MY SYMPATHY TO MARTIN'S LOVELY FAMILY...I SOLD MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE TO MARTIN IN THE EARLY 1960'S ...HE WAS A JOY AND AN INSPIRATION TO DO BUSINESS WITH...

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