Donald R. Godding

Donald R. Godding, 83, formerly of Willow Creek, a resident of Chapel Ridge, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025, at The Pavilion at BRMC. 

Born February 25, 1942, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Leon H. and Ruth V. (Strait) Godding. He was a 1961 graduate of Bradford High School. 

Don was a veteran of the United States Army.

Don was employed as a truck driver for Kessel Construction, Kendall Refining and later at Warner and Smith Trucking. In 1981 he purchased Whelan's Bar and renamed it Godding's Bar which he owned and operated until 1991,  he then opened Don's Place in East Bradford. He retired from the Bradford Area School District as a custodian in 2009. 

He was a member of the Bradford Masonic Lodge #749 F&AM, Lifetime member of the Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Eagles Club, American Legion, and the VFW.

Don enjoyed a good meal, and most important to him was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Surviving are two daughters, Dawn McEneany, of Columbus OH, and Joy (Dan) Confer, of Bradford, one son, Joseph (Deena) Godding, of Bradford, one step daughter, Michelle Smith, and one stepson, Michael Weaver, seven grandchildren, Filane (Kyle) Crumrine, Cullen (Alicia) Godding, Sarah McEneany, Blaise McEneany, Gretchen Henneman, Brendan Confer, and Evan Confer, four great grandchildren, Gannon Godding, Blakely Godding, Kailena Crumrine, and Corydon Crumrine and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his longtime companion, Barbara Smith, two brothers, Charles Godding, and Robert Terry Godding, and one sister Betty Fink.

Family will receive friends on Thursday May 29, 2025, from 2-4 pm and 6 to 8 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. East Main St., where funeral services will be held on Friday at 10 am with Rev. Ernie Perry, Pastor of the West Branch Church, officiating. Committal services and Full Military Honor's will be accorded by members of the United States Army and members of the Honor Guard of the American Legion Post 108 of Bradford, in the Veterans Section at Willow Dale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

Joe and family, sending prayers and love your way. Your Dad was such a kind man to everyone. We will always remember his big smile and great laugh. Such a great man who will truly be missed. He loved all of you so much. May his beautiful life bring you comfort.
— Mimi and Mike Cahill

Joe, so very sorry to hear of your dad''s passing. He was a great guy and always had a kind word. I have to believe him and Gomer are having some good laughs together. Please don''t hesitate to call if you want to talk. God Bless you and the family. Rest in Peace Brother
— Bob Pyle

I met Don when I visited my Mom, Dolly Leary, at Chapel Ridge. He became her good friend over the last year. It was a pleasure to chat with him during my visits. He will be remembered and missed.
— Julie Leary Badger

Don was a friend of mine. I looked forward to seeing him as our paths wood cross around Bradford. He will surely be missed. He loved life and love being in it.
— Max Miller

Joe, Deena and family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was a good man. Praying for you all during this difficult time.
— Chuck and Beth Butler

In the short time I knew Don, through his son Joe, as a neighbor. I’m blessed to have come across a man who always had a pleasant story to tell, along with consistently asking how my family was doing, and never making the conversation about himself. That is in itself is a testament to the character of a man May the lord’s light shine upon you, and your family.
— Scott McCann

Joy and Family, I am so very sorry to see this. Your Dad was always such a good Friend to our Dad, they spent a lot of time together at Goddings! You and your Family are in my prayers. Sending you my love.
— Christina Paul

I grew up within the walls of Don''s Place. My mom worked there for years and I would sit they''re in the mornings, waiting to catch the bus for school. Donnie would always slip me money to get ice cream with Mom wasn''t lookin''. My first job ever at 13 years old was working for Donnie and my mom back in ''95. Donnie played a huge roll in in my family''s life, even if it was indirectly. Throughout the years with I would bump into him, he would always greet me with a big smile and ''Johnny! How the hell are ya?!'' Thank you Donnie for keeping his in our table over the years and being such a big part of my childhood. My condolences to Godding family.
— John Lockwood

He was a good boss had alot of fun working with him at Don"s Place
— Rhonda Munday

Joy and family, So sorry for your loss. Your Dad was always a bright spot any time you saw him.
— Marta

Was one of the nicest man you could ever know...a friend for life Dennis/Chris Moore
— Chris Moore

We are sorry to hear of your loss.
— Stoney,Becky,Max,Michael Greenberg

He will be greatly missed! Donnie was one of the “good ones!”
— Arlene Pais

So sorry to hear of Mr, Godding’s passing. He was always very kind and nice when I’d see him at the hospital and always with a smile. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest peacefully.
— Brian Corbett

Condolences

  • Joe and family, sending prayers and love your way. Your Dad was such a kind man to everyone. We will always remember his big smile and great laugh. Such a great man who will truly be missed. He loved all of you so much. May his beautiful life bring you comfort.

    — Mimi and Mike Cahill
  • Joe, so very sorry to hear of your dad''s passing. He was a great guy and always had a kind word. I have to believe him and Gomer are having some good laughs together. Please don''t hesitate to call if you want to talk. God Bless you and the family. Rest in Peace Brother

    — Bob Pyle
  • I met Don when I visited my Mom, Dolly Leary, at Chapel Ridge. He became her good friend over the last year. It was a pleasure to chat with him during my visits. He will be remembered and missed.

    — Julie Leary Badger
  • Don was a friend of mine. I looked forward to seeing him as our paths wood cross around Bradford. He will surely be missed. He loved life and love being in it.

    — Max Miller
  • Joe, Deena and family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was a good man. Praying for you all during this difficult time.

    — Chuck and Beth Butler