Paul Thomas Godinez

Paul Thomas Godinez, 52, resident of Anaheim Hills, passed away March 3, 2013, in Brea, California after a long, courageous battle from MRSA infection and other complications.

Paul was born in Santa Maria, California, the second son of Peter and Patricia Godinez. He grew up in West Covina with his older brother Peter, younger sister Patrice, younger brother Patrick, "Poncho" the family dog, and lifelong friends and neighbors. Paul loved family vacations the most, whether it was relaxing around Mission Bay or racing down the slopes in Lake Tahoe. After years playing youth sports, Paul carried on the Godinez family tradition running the men's 440 yard relay anchor leg on the track team at West Covina High School, where he graduated in 1978. He attended Cal Poly Pomona before he embarked on his career in advertising sales at AT&T, Comcast and Charter Communication.

Loved for his humble, gentle spirit, Paul didn't seek the limelight or accolades; instead, he always sought the good in everyone else. Paul loved to laugh and cheer people up by goofing around, and his laugh and smile were infectious. Loyalty to family and friends was Paul’s gift to everyone he touched. Paul had a quiet strength about him. He was remarkably polite, and listened attentively when he asked how you were doing, because he genuinely cared. He knew how to make some good noise, too -- an avid drummer since 13, his first passion was making music with his band. He played The Rover for the first time in 1977 and, according to a close friend, "Paul loved playing just for the fun of it - pure musical expression.”

One passion led to another, when Paul fell in love with and eventually married Marissa Cazares, the mother of his children, Mario Godinez, 30, and Nicole Godinez, 29. He loved being a dad more than anything, sharing love of family, music, working on cars, rooting for the Clippers, and cheering and supporting his kids in all their endeavors. Paul was also blessed with grandsons Jake, 6, Adrian, 3, and 1-month-old granddaughter, Sofia.

Paul is survived by his parents, Peter and Patricia Godinez of Anaheim Hills; brother Peter and Elaine Godinez of Ventura; sister Patrice and Bob Painter of Yorba Linda; brother Patrick Godinez of Alta Loma; ex-wife Marissa Cazares Godinez of West Covina; son Mario and Legia Godinez of West Covina; daughter Nicole Godinez of Pasadena; and grandchildren Jake, Adrian and Sofia.

Memorial Service

Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

344 West Workman Avenue, Covina 91723

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Paul and his favorite dog, Gia, please adopt a pet from a shelter, make a donation to Best Friends Animal Shelter (http://bfla.bestfriends.org/), hug your child, call a friend you haven't talked to in awhile, send a card of support to someone in need, make amends, turn to someone you love and tell them so, enjoy the music of life, and take care of yourself.