Joseph "Joe" C. Godina, Jr.

Joseph C. Godina, Jr., of Farrell, Pennsylvania, entered life eternal during the early morning hours of Monday, March 2, 2026, in the Emergency Room of Sharon Regional Medical Center, following a courageous fight with cancer. He was 81.

Joseph was born on February 28, 1945, in Greenville, Pennsylvania, a son to Joseph C. Godina, Sr. & Josephine J. (Valentine) Godina.

He was a 1963 graduate of St. Michael’s High School, Greenvillle, and furthered his education at Youngstown State University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Joe had worked out of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local #47/449 of Monaca & Pittsburgh, mainly in commercial construction, as a plumber steamfitter. He dedicated over 60 years to his craft and retired from his vocation with a great sense of pride and accomplishment.

His memberships included the Slovene National Benefit Society; Slovenian Working Men’s Club, Sharon; Penn-Ohio Polka Pals; and National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame. He received recognition as promoter of the year and a lifetime achievement award. Furthermore, Joe was successful with his Spotlight Productions business where he recorded and produced music projects for his customers from his office on a daily basis.

In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time at camp, and playing his button box. In addition, he liked helping his son Jeff roast lamb & chickens. However, he might be remembered from his “Polka Heaven Show” and “The Italian Show” on WPIC-AM 790 radio and other radio stations in the Pittsburgh and Cleveland markets which aired over the past 60 years. He also played polka music on 247polkaheaven.com that was broadcast all over the world by internet.

Mourning his loss are his wife, Paula Ann (Gligor) Godina, whom he married April 23, 1983: children, Jeffrey J. Godina (Dawn), of Brookfield, Ohio, and Jessie J. Godina-O'Bruba (Daniel), of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; stepdaughter, Michele A. Martin (Richard), of Red Lion, Pennsylvania; stepson, Michael Balluch (Maria), of El Paso, Texas; step-grandsons, Jordan & MJ; as well as countless friends.

A memorial gathering in honor of Mr. Godina will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, in the home of Briceland Funeral Service, LLC, located at 379 State Route 7, SE, Brookfield, Ohio 44403.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com

As suggested by his family, memorial contributions can be made to the Slovenian Working Men’s Club by sending donations to the funeral home at: P.O. Box 551, Brookfield, Ohio 44403.

Coordination of this tribute for Mr. Godina was presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director. (330-509-3135)