Michael Goda Jr.
Michael Goda Jr., age 92, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 15, 2021. Born July 13, 1928, in Cokeburg, he was the son of the late Michael Goda Sr. and Maria Kovalchik Goda. During the Depression of 1930, Mike, his mother and two siblings, left the United States and went back to Slovakia, where the family was from. In 1948, Michael returned to the United States, where he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the 31st Infantry Dixie Division in the Korean War. He worked at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Works for 31 years. Mike was an avid singer, not only at home, but as a cantor for 25 years at Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church. If you knew Mike, you knew he loved to work on his farm, where he gardened and raised sheep for many years. He also enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s sporting events, where everyone knew him as “Pap.” He never met a person he didn’t like and always enjoyed talking to everyone. Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Maharovchak Goda; and his two children, Mary Ann and Tom Goda. He was grandfather “dzedo” to Lena (Brian) Knapp, Marquis (Rachel) Johnson and Devin Goda; great-grandfather of Alexa, Ava and Adalyn Knapp and Sienna Johnson; also, many special nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends will be received in PAUL E. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, 221 North Second Ave., Elizabeth, from 4 p.m. until the time of Parastas service at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2021. In order to comply with COVID-19 restrictions, guests are required to wear masks and follow CDC social distancing guidelines. You may be asked to limit your visiting time so that all guests will have an opportunity to pay their respects. The family would like to express their understanding to those who are unable to attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Panachida will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 18, 2021, in the funeral home. Funeral liturgy will be at 11 a.m. at Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton with the Rev. Ivan Mina officiating. Burial will follow in Ascension Cemetery. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
