Gary Daniel Godshalk

Gary Daniel Godshalk passed away peacefully on October 5, 2024 surrounded by family. He was 79 years old. 

Gary was born to John Leonard (Len) and Jeanette Godshalk on September 29, 1945 in Baltimore, Maryland. The oldest of five brothers, Gary grew up in Olney, Maryland, where he developed a passion for learning, sports, and the outdoors. As a teenager, Gary was a top student, an avid fisherman (he was known to make his own flies), and played high school sports. It was at this time that he discovered his life-long love of golf and tennis. Gary’s parents maintained a close relationship with him and his brothers, and would gather for family reunions.

Following high school, Gary attended the University of Maryland, where he graduated with high honors in Physics. Subsequently, he completed Masters course studies in physics at the University of Wisconsin, before moving to Mountain View, California and beginning a career in the defense industry. After moving to San Diego in 1983 he also completed Management and Systems Engineering programs at UCSD. As a subject matter expert in underwater acoustics, Gary worked for Cubic, Orincon, and Lockheed Martin throughout his long career. 

In 1984, Gary married Rita Rockwell in San Diego and became the loving stepfather to her two children, Linda and Eddie. Eventually, he became a cherished grandfather to Nicholas, Matthew, Kendall, Blake, and Kellen. He shared many of his interests with his family including playing board games, cooking, deep sea fishing and watching sports. Gary also embraced Linda and Eddie’s friends, even providing a home to a few of them for months at a time. 

Gary and Rita enjoyed an active social life, hosting countless dinner parties, holiday gatherings, and bridge groups. Gary was a superb chef, and an enthusiastic and entertaining host to all. He and Rita considered many of their close friends as family. Gary loved traveling with family, including memorable trips with Rita to Italy, Ireland, Scotland and China. When Gary’s job took him to Kailua, Hawaii for five years, he and Rita made fast friends with neighbors and co-workers. They also had many visitors to share their love of the island. As a prolific reader of all subjects, Gary could discuss countless topics with intelligence, and was particularly absorbed with physics, music, and golf. He loved watching sports, especially the Masters Golf tournaments, and volunteered for the US Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego. Gary was an avid golfer throughout his life, and combined his love for physics and golf with a project examining the science behind the sport. 

Gary is survived by his children Linda Cassol (Rob) and Eddie Rockwell (Stephanie); grandchildren Nicholas and Matthew Cassol, and Kendall, Blake and Kellen Rockwell; brothers Ronald Godshalk, Dave Godshalk (Inge Foreman) and John Godshalk (Richard Davis); sister-in-law Trish Brady (Tom); and many adored nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Rita Godshalk, and his brother Eddie Godshalk. 

A memorial service will be held for Gary at Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 10:30 am, where he and Rita were active for many years. A luncheon reception in his honor will follow at the church. He will be laid to rest along side his wife Rita at El Camino Memorial Park.