WINCHESTER — David A. Godding Sr., 82, of Winchester Center, Connecticut, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. He was the loving husband of Cheryl Godding for 36 years.
David was born Oct. 17, 1943, in Sharon, to the late Leonard and Gladys (Robertson) Godding.
Dave graduated in 1961 from Housatonic Valley Regional High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963 until his honorable discharge in 1969, having served in Vietnam.
Upon returning, Dave settled in Norfolk, with his then wife Roberta (Grith) and children. He worked for several local plumbing contractors before starting Godding Plumbing & Heating with his son David Godding Jr. For many years he was a licensed Master Plumber in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont, and retired in 2003.
David loved so many things in life. He served as assistant fire chief in Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department and devoted time as an EMT for Norfolk Volunteer Ambulance as well. He enjoyed physical activities of all kinds, including running, hiking, biking, canoeing, swimming, and played volleyball at Botelle school in Norfolk for many years. Hobbies included building construction, working on equipment, and generally coming up with a solution for any type of problem. David loved music and discovered talents for banjo and bass. He played and sang in several bands including Wild Abandon and Dark Horse, and regularly hosted popular music jams in his home. Always an animal lover, he discovered a passion for horses later in life, both riding and carriage driving. He and Cheryl raised and trained Morgan horses on their farm in Winchester, which he took great pride in.
He is survived by his wife Cheryl, his beloved children David Jr, Jennifer Hamza, and Patricia Custer; his stepchildren Julia Smith and Alan Colwell. He also leaves behind his granddaughters Ashley Errichetto and Emily Ronalter, his great grandchildren, his sister Barbara Brown, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Leonard Jr. and sister Gloria Arata.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3rd at 11 a.m. at the Winchester Center Cemetary on South Road in Winchester.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department, or an animal rescue organization of choice.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager, brushing Marsala upon arrival.Provided
Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer working with Marsala.Jennifer Almquist
Marsala wins a heart.Jennifer Almquist
Sadie, center, a Carolina dog, plays with her friend Negra, a terrier mix. Bella Linda, the small poodle, has since been adopted.L. Tomaino
Wesley, a young, exuberant mix, is looking for an active home.L. Tomaino
Bonnie and Clyde, an affectionate terrier pair.L. Tomaino
