Thomas Andrew Godfrey

Thomas Andrew Godfrey, age 82, of Woodloch Springs, Hawley, and formerly of Oradell, NJ, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife by his side on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. They would have celebrated their 37th anniversary in December.
He is survived by his wife: Dorothy (Pouliot) Godfrey; one son: James Mazzarisi and his wife Tara of Oradell, NJ; three grandchildren: Justin, Caden and Avery Mazzarisi; three sisters: Anne Godfrey of Salinas, CA, Jean Beidl and her husband Bill of Oakland, NJ, and Mary Godfrey and her husband Manuel Gallegos of Pacifica, CA; one sister-in-law: Sharon Langer and her husband Art of Carmel, NY; one brother-in-law: Kenneth Pouliot and his wife Andrea of Sarasota, FL; as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his brother, John Godfrey, and his sister, Patricia McDonough.
Born January 19, 1943, in Queens, NY, Tom was the son of the late John Martin and Eleanor Margaret (Burns) Godfrey. Tom grew up in River Edge, NJ and graduated from Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, NJ, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. Athletics were his passion. He graduated from Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and went on to receive two Master's Degrees at Montclair State University.
Summers starting in college were spent working at Oradell Swim Club, first as lifeguard, then head lifeguard then manager. Tom started teaching physical education at River Dell High School in Oradell, NJ, in 1965. He coached the freshman football team for three years. He then became a varsity assistant in 1968 and became the defensive coordinator in 1969.
Tom was the head football coach from 1974 to 1979 then became the Athletic Director for the next thirteen years. He finished his 37-year career in education as a Guidance Counselor.
Tom received many awards during his career. He was named Coach of the Year by the Sunday Post in 1976. In 1988, he was inducted into the New Jersey State Interscholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame and was also the recipient of the Bergen County Coaches Association Special Recognition Award. In 1995 he was inducted into the River Dell High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Tom was involved in the athletic program for 31 years as a coach of football, golf, wrestling and track. Regardless of which sport he coached, he focused on instilling a sense of respect and integrity in all his athletes.
Tom was especially proud that his son James followed in his footsteps and received letters in football, basketball and baseball when he was at River Dell High School. James also followed Tom's career path and became a Physical Education Teacher and a coach of multiple sports.
Tom had a summer cabin on Oxbrooke Lake in Grand Lake Stream located in Down East, Maine for thirty years. He enjoyed canoeing, sailing, fishing, riding his four-wheeler and the wildlife of loons, moose, deer and hummingbirds. He especially liked the many visits from family and friends.
After Tom and Dorothy retired in 2002, they sold their home in Oradell and moved full-time to their vacation home in Woodloch Springs, Hawley, PA. In his free time, Tom enjoyed fishing and golfing. He and Dorothy spent 20 years vacationing in Naples, Florida in the winter months.
Tom and Dorothy's favorite times were those spent with James, Tara, Justin, Caden, Avery and their many visits to Woodloch, carrying on a 5th-generation tradition at the resort. They also enjoyed many visits from their extended family and friends throughout the years.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 29, at St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 445 Fifth Ave., River Edge, NJ.
Private cremation will be held at Lake Region Crematory, Lake Ariel, PA.
Memorials may be made to may be made to the organization of the donor's choice.