Anthony "Tony" Godino

Anthony “Tony” Godino, 82 years young of Taylor, PA, passed away on March 11, 2024, peacefully surrounded by his family after a courageous battle against Alzheimer’s.

Son of Giovanni “John” Godino and Antionette Angotti-Godino, Tony was born on May 30, 1941, in Nicastro, Italy. He immigrated to America with his family at the age of 13. Only speaking Italian, Tony quickly learned the English language and attended West Scranton High School. He and his family built a life in West Scranton where he helped his parents in the family tailor shop. Like his parents, he was blessed with the incredible talents and love of tailoring and sewing.

Tony began his career at Vermont Sportswear Inc. where he worked for over 20 years. However, the company eventually closed so he continued his passion partnering up with some colleagues and began their own company, Fashions International, Inc. in 1988. Located in Scranton, the business was successful for many years designing and manufacturing men’s suits. As most, all good things must come to an end. The business closed its doors, and we were excited for Tony to “retire” and relax. But we all knew he was not one to just sit around. He continued to work part time at various jobs as a handyman.

Tony met his beautiful wife Patricia Novak in 1971 at the local pub. They married in 1976 and soon after purchased their forever home in Taylor where they lived for 45 years. Tony and Patricia had two incredible daughters, Denise and Sabrina. With strong Italian beliefs, Tony raised his family the only way he knew, with love and protection. Outnumbered by girls, his priority was to always protect his family and to raise his daughters to be strong and independent. Well, he definitely succeeded! (Thank you Dad!) Tony and Pat would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary this May.

In his spare time, Tony enjoyed growing his vegetable garden, going for walks around the local high school track, beach vacations with his family and laying on his hammock in the sun while listening to classics like Pavarotti or Bocelli. But most of all, he loved playing Bocce. He was known as the “Bocce King” among his friends at The Victor Alfieri Society, The Mule Barn Bocce Club and The Son’s of Italy Bocce Organization at Arcaro & Genell’s.

Tony was a very religious man attending mass every Sunday at St. Lucy’s Church. His beliefs guided him through life as seen with his desire to always help a friend or neighbor when in need. He often looked for guidance from the teachings of Saint Padre Pio.

Tony was preceded in death by his sister Theresa Mascaro and husband Peter; and his brother Angelo “Frank” Godino. He is survived by his wife Patricia, daughter Denise Nierstedt and husband James, daughter Sabrina Armbruster and husband David; brother Mario Godino and wife Karen; sister Nancy Murtaugh and husband Tom. Four grandchildren Zachary, Phillip, Gabrielle and Kayla. Many cousins, nieces and nephews and lifelong best friend Tom Allerdyce.

We would like to send our sincerest gratitude to the nurses, doctors and staff at Cayuga Medical Center (Ithaca, NY) whose kindness, compassion and support helped us through this difficult time, the incredible home health team in Elmira, NY whose patience and understanding allowed us to enjoy additional time with Dad in his home; and his “Bocce Brothers” who continued to include and watch over Tony during his forgetful moments giving him the chance to play one last time.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday March 23rd at 10 am in St. Lucy’s Church, 949 Scranton St., Scranton. Friends and family may pay their respects Saturday morning from 9 am until Mass time in the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association in Tony’s name at http://act.alz.org/goto/Anthony_Tony_Godino

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home Inc., 1030 N. Main Ave., Scranton.