• Obituaries

John F. Godown
Born: 11/12/1939
Died: 12/30/2008
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John F. Godown

Godown, John F. Sr. age 69 of Frelinghuysen Township, NJ died Tuesday December 30, 2008 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Tewksbury Twp, NJ, he lived in Hunterdon County, NJ, later moving to Lebanon Twp, NJ before moving to Frelinghuysen Twp. 21 years ago.    

            Predeceased by his parents, Francis J. and Wilhelmina E. (Wittmann) Godown, as well as, two sisters: Emma Ash and Grace Whitehead.  Mr. Godown was Chief of Security for Custom Alloy Corp. in Califon, NJ for 6 years before joining the Califon Police Department as Chief of Police serving 25 years, retiring in 2004. John was a 1979 graduate of the Morris County Police Academy and was a firearms expert. He was a member of the Chief of Police Association, the NRA, and the PBA. He was the founding member of the Hunterdon Hills Collie Club, a passion he shared with his wife. John was also an EMT with the Lebanon Emergency Squad.

            Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Evelyn L. (Snyder) Godown of Frelinghuysen Twp., one son John F. Jr. of Virginia, and one daughter Lauren E. Godown at home. Survivors also include one brother, David G. and his wife Fay of Anderson, SC, and three sisters; Margo Smith and her husband Clayton of Anderson, SC, Florence Novacek and her husband Terry of Avondale, NJ and Debbie Stripling of Buena Vista, Arkansas. John is also survived by 2 grandsons, Jonathan and Chayton Godown.

            Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home 156 Main St. (Rt. 206), Newton, NJ.

            Funeral Services will be held January 3rd, 2009 at 8:30 PM at the funeral home, followed by a private cremation. Visitation will take place Saturday January 3rd, 2009 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 7:00 – 9:00 PM. The family is requesting that memorials in John’s name be made to the Karen Ann Quinlann Hospice 99 Sparta Ave. Newton, NJ 07860.
 
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I was saddened to learn of John's death. I served as Mayor of Califon from 1979 to 1983. John was a good cop; he understood the need to work with people to resolve difficulties. In all the years we worked together I never remember anyone telling me that they were not treated fairly by John. He ran the department professionally and efficiently. Califon was lucky to have him. My condolences to the family and friends.
marie koch
My condolences to the family and John's friends. I worked with John while I was a Califon council member and he was always a credit to the uniform and a dedicated servant of the community. He will be missed.
james morrison
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