Michael Barry Godlewski

On Friday, March 21, 2014, Barry Godlewski, age 66, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Barry was a wonderful husband, a dear uncle and a great friend. His smile and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. Barry was born in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, but spent the majority of his life in the south, where he became very fond of good southern cooking. He graduated from Garinger High School in Charlotte and The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. He joined the United States Naval Reserve and exercised duty during the Vietnam War. Barry was employed by UNCC for 35 years and was not only an exemplary employee, but also created many friendships that lasted a lifetime. During his career he was presented with the UNCC Man of the Year Award.

Barry is survived by his wonderful, loving wife, Kay. During their forty-three years of marriage, they enjoyed travelling to interesting parts of the world. England, especially, had a special place in their hearts. As former President of the Cabarrus Kennel Club, Barry and Kay also enjoyed breeding and showing their Siberian Huskies. Barry’s confidants, comrades and buddies were his two dogs, Smitty and Coco Puff. “Puff” was very selective and it was evident from day one that she chose Barry to be her best friend. Barry and Kay also had a love for felines over the years and somehow Coco Puff allowed them to share affections with Barry.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Michael and Eleanor Godlewski. He is also survived by the following cousins and their families, Dan Denaci of NY, Eleanor and Al Summers of TX, Edward and Karin Denaci of Charlotte, Mitchell and Linda Ellicott of NJ, Stan and Nadine Godlewski of CT; aunt, MaryAnn Denaci, cousins, Judy and Dave Connelly, Kevin Connors and John Connors, all of Charlotte. Barry had a loving relationship with his sister-in-law and her husband, Kim and Scott Agnew, of Concord. Barry’s nephews, Nate and Max Agnew, were just like his own children and they adored their Uncle Barry. His very dear friends, Jody and Leslie Harpster, of Shippensburg, PA and their two children, Drew and Emily, and T.L. and Gina Smith of Concord, held a very special place in his heart and life. Barry had wonderful relationships with his “family” at the University for which he loved and respected.

As deeply as it hurts to lose Barry, we know he is bowing in front of King Jesus and we shall see him again. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, March 29th at Wilson Funeral and Cremation Service. Graveside service will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to UNC Charlotte Alumni Association, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223 or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Arrangements by Wilson Funeral & Cremation Service, 5301 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28212 (704-568-2106). Condolences may be offered at www.wilsonfuneralservices.com.