Rostraver fire captain remembered for dedication, caring nature
Family and friends of Michael Godzak Jr. are still at a loss for words over the sudden death of the Rostraver Township fireman. But many of those who knew Godzak paid tribute to him on Rostraver Township Volunteer Fire Department’s Facebook page.
“A great person, a good fireman and a friend to all that knew him,” said Chris Wilhelm. Added Christeen Myers, “Mike truly had a pure heart. All of us who grew up together in Webster, with every loss, it’s a personal one.” And Kevin McCrory had this to say about Godzak, who was affectionately known as the “mayor of Webster”: “What a wonderful and knowledgeable guy. Highly respected by all. May he rest peacefully.”
Godzak, 59, a resident of Webster, died on Sunday, April 29 while returning from a fire call as the engine driver. He became ill and collapsed at the station then was transported to Monongahela Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead that evening.
A 1976 graduate of Belle Vernon Area High School, Godzak was purchasing manager for Alumnisource Corporation in Monessen. He previously owned Webster Auto Parts and Fuel Company and ran the company on his own for 10 years. Godzak also was known as an accomplished musician.
In 1970, Godzak joined Rostraver Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 in Webster, where he held every line office within the department. Godzak, who was first captain when he died, previously served as chief of the department for nine years.
Maggie (Godzak) Winchester remembers her brother as a caring person who dedicated his life to serving the community.
“Michael didn’t brag about things he did,” she said. “He would just lend a helping hand in whatever way he could. He tried to make a difference for other people.”
Winchester gave an example of how her brother touched other people’s lives.
“I was talking to a fireman who knew Michael when he first joined the department,” said Winchester. “He said Michael gave one of the firemen a trophy with a fireman at the top. The trophy read: ‘Best Fire Truck Driver.’ That’s the kind of person Michael was. He did things like that all the time.”
As she reflects on the life of a well-respected Mon Valley man, Winchester is comforted by the many condolences she has received since her brother died.
“I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for Michael,” said Winchester. “He would really have appreciated that. All of these people were like family to him.”
Rostraver Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 honored Godzak by placing his gear on a bench along with two American flags. Godzak was buried on Saturday at Monongahela Cemetery.