Martin Alan Godfrey

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Martin Alan Godfrey, known to all as Marty. He died peacefully at home on June 1, 2023, at the age of 79, after a long courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on April 4, 1944, in Philadelphia, PA. He relocated to Broomall at the age of 15. It was there that he met his high school sweetheart who became his wife. Marty is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Marilyn Godfrey (Swerdlow), his children Betsy Race (Stuart), Jennifer Taranto, and Jonathan Godfrey (YiLi), and his grandchildren Taylor Race Weathers (Tim), Sally Race, Katherine Taranto, Abigail Race, Alexandra Taranto, and Ayla Godfrey. He is also survived by his sister Susan Gold.

Marty was preceded in death by his parents William and Hattie Godfrey and his sister Lois, who passed away on the same day.

Marty was a pillar of the community and made a significant impact on his community through his various ventures. He founded Marty's Media Market and Mrs. Marty's Deli. He was the heart and soul of both businesses for 47 years. He was always ready with a smile, song , joke or story for his customers. Optimism and joy defined his life- he was known to say "never had a bad day in my life." He was also president of the Media Business and Professional Association and Temple Sholom, a member of the Marple Rotary, and a founding member and president of the Marple Business and Professional Association. In 2021, he was honored to serve as the Grand Marshall of the 4th of July parade as a public recognition of his ongoing community service. Even at the end of his life he continued to think of others and donated his body to science at the Anatomy Gifts Registry. Marty was devoted to family, friends, business, and the community and will be missed by all.

A memorial service to celebrate Marty's life will take place on June 13th at 1 pm at Temple Sholom in Broomall, followed by Shiva at 280 Sycamore Mills Rd in Media, PA. Shiva will continue on June 14th from 1-8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Marty's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.