Dr. Martin D. Godel

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Martin Godel. I remember him with such great fondness. He was my orthodontist and a magnificent human being. May be rest in peace. With Deepest Condolences, Stephanie Rudy

It has taken me almost one year to write a proper obituary, Dad. Here it is, almost at your first Yahrzeit:

My father, Martin D. Godel (Marty) was born on December 11,1920 in the Bronx, N.Y., to Samuel Godel and to Sarah Gluck Godel, immigrants from Austria-Hungary, and died on March 19, 2014 in N.J. The cause of death was non--Hodgkin's lymphoma.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Rita Daniels Godel, who he married on September 23, 1944. survivors include a daughter, Lois Godel(Jay Silverman), a son, Dr. Jeffrey Godel (Vicky), four grandchildren:Sean Daigle, Anna Daigle (Jack Lupo), Matthew Godel, and Jamie Godel; his brother, Julius Godel, and numerous nieces and nephews and, amazingly, given his age of 93, many friends.

Marty grew up poor. His parents both worked hard to make ends meet and they expected their sons to do the same in school. Education was the means to a better life. Marty was accepted to City College of New York at a time when only 400 students per year were admitted. He told me that as a 17-year-old, he entertained the idea of foregoing college, infuriating his father(which may or may not have been true; he loved to tell stories, especially to illustrate a lesson). There was no question of Marty not going to college.

Marty served in both World War II and in the Korean War. When he graduated from college, he enlisted in the Army and was sent to N.Y.U. College of Dentistry,where he obtained his D.D.S. He was honorably discharged from the Army as a Captain.

Marty practiced dentistry in East Orange, N.J., returning to N.Y.U. for a specialty degree in Orthodontics. He lived and worked as an orthodontist in Livingston, N.J., for about 35 years in private practice and then part time, for another 5 years, in partial retirement. He was also on staff at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, N.J. for 30 years, eventually serving as Chief of Orthodontics.

For the last 16 years of his life, Marty resided at the Weston Club, in Marlton, N.J. He was a member of Temple Emanuel, Cherry Hill, N.J.

Marty played tournament bridge and earned his Silver Life master at the age of 91. He taught bridge up to the last few months of his life.

He loved the arts and subscribed to several theater and concert series. When his wife, Rita, was alive, they purchased a third ticket for some of the series and invited different widowed persons to accompany them. They also delivered Meals on Wheels together.

My father was a positive and loving man. Charismatic, with a wicked sense of humor, he tried to see the good in everything and everyone. He counted his blessings and, quietly, he gave back.

His friends at the SJ Bridge Club will miss
his vivacious spirit.

I can only agree and double, there was not and never will be another to equal Uncle Marty, my love to all the family,
(Bubbles) Elayne Daniels Singer

I was saddened to learn of Uncle Marty's passing. I have only fond memories of family gatherings with him and Aunt Rita. I will always be grateful for the way they comforted my mother and family after the death of my father. Uncle Marty will be missed. Our condolences to Lois, Jeffrey and their families from me and my family. Iris

I will miss , Uncle Marty , he was a warm and always loving Uncle to me....He always showed my family love and kindness. I know he's up , sitting at the big card table , hopfully playing Bridge with , Aunt Rita, my Dad and my Mom....3 no trump would be the bid....or pass......thanks for all the wonderful memories.....love ya' Babe !

Uncle Marty will be missed.
... always upbeat and encouraging to us all...