Robert Thomas Godfrey, former Knight Ridder employee, passed away unexpectedly after a long and hard fought battle with Parkinson’s disease on August 20, 2018. He was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to Joe and Judy Godfrey. Robert spent most of his life in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Florida area and moved to San Jose, CA in 1998, when the Knight Ridder headquarters was moved from FL to CA. Bob married Ruth in 1969 and they had two children, Tom Godfrey and Tracy (Godfrey) Hutt.
In 2006 Bob retired and he and Ruth moved to Brentwood, CA. He enjoyed playing golf and bowling until his Parkinson’s prevented him from competing in sporting events.
Bob is survived by his wife, Ruth Godfrey; son, Tom (Tiffany) Godfrey; and daughter, Tracy (Lon) Hutt, three grandchildren, Dylan Godfrey, Brody Godfrey and Hailey Hutt, his brother, Joe Godfrey (from Orlando, FL) and his sister, Marie Walker (from Atlanta, GA) and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.
Memorial Mass will be held at 11am on Friday, September 28th, at St. Michael Church, 458 Maple St. in Livermore, CA, followed by the Interment at St. Michael Cemetery, 3885 East Ave, Livermore, CA.
Just heard this very sad news of Bob’s passing. We grew up together in Hialeah and spent many days and evenings having fun with our friends Donn, Gary and Tommy. We all went to school together through HHS. RIP my friend! You were a great guy!
I knew Bob in high school and for a short time afterwards. He was a terrific friend, a good student, and also a pretty good ballplayer. Why I have never forgotten him despite the fact that I had not seen him since 1967? Because once, in 1967, when I was down-and-out on account of Vietnam and troubles at home, Bob was the only friend to talk to me--with compassion. Thank you, Bob, and RIP.
