Gail P. Godesky

Gail Godesky, a lifelong Bayonne resident, passed away on March 29, 2025, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. In their presence, she felt the warmth of their love, which will forever remain in their hearts.

Gail achieved remarkable milestones throughout her life, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from St. Peter's College (now St. Peter's University), where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She began her impressive career at Provident Bank in 1988 as a Management Trainee. Her exceptional drive and talent led her to become Assistant Vice President by 1997. 

Continuing to rise to prominence, Gail became First Vice President and Market Manager, overseeing the Bayonne and Greenville Sections of Jersey City. After exploring different opportunities, she returned to Provident Bank in 2005 as the Business Development Officer for Hudson County, showcasing her unwavering commitment to excellence. In May 2015, she was promoted again to First Vice President, Market Manager. Her relentless work ethic and dedication to excellence earned her national accreditation with honors from the National School of Banking.

Before her corporate success, Gail broke ground at Exxon Company, USA, becoming one of the first women to work on-site at the Bayonne Plant as a laborer and pier employee loading and unloading barges, ships, and trucks. Beyond her professional achievements, Gail was a vital force within the Bayonne community. She actively served on several advisory boards, including the Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation and the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce, where her contributions made a significant impact. Her passion for community service shone brightly through her leadership of initiatives for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Annual Walk and the Becoming Financially Fit Program, which has empowered students with essential financial literacy skills since 2015. As the chairperson for Relay for Life and an active member of the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. Her efforts not only inspired those around her but also created lasting change. 

Gail played a significant role in the Becoming Financially Fit Program (BFF), which was sponsored by Provident Bank. This program, managed by Ever-Fi in collaboration with Provident Bank, educated students on the importance of financial literacy. Provident Bank supported this initiative in approximately 33 schools across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For six years, Gail coordinated these efforts at Bayonne High School, where she spoke to students about the importance of financial literacy as they prepared to enter the workforce. Since 2015, Marist High School has also joined the list of participating schools in this program. Additionally, Gail was a member of Provident4Women, an organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering women at all stages of their lives.

In 2001, Gail's insights were celebrated when she received recognition from the Military Traffic Management Command during a luncheon honoring “Women of Vision.” She inspired countless others with her belief that having a vision is essential for a fulfilling life. Gail's passion for travel took her to a variety of captivating places, with Aruba standing out as her ultimate favorite, alongside Hawaii, Florida, and Puerto Rico, as well as frequent visits to her beloved relatives in South Carolina. 

In her spare time, Gail eagerly anticipated trips to Atlantic City. She also found her greatest joy in cooking, transforming her kitchen into a warm and inviting space for family and friends. Her culinary creations were more than just delicious meals, they were heartfelt expressions of love that created connections around the table. With her infectious personality and radiant warmth, Gail was beloved by everyone she met, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her.

Gail was predeceased by her parents, Frederick and Lorraine (Lesiak) Godesky, and her sister Lori Starke. She is survived by her sister, Susan Dinnocenzo; her brother, Ricky Godesky, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Dworzanski & Son Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 9, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. 

MISS ME BUT LET ME GO

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,

Why cry for a soul set free! Miss me a little -

but not for long And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared,

Miss me, but let me go. For this journey that we all must take

And each must go alone; It's all a part of the Master's plan

A step on the road to home. When you are lonely

and sick at heart Go to the friends we know,

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me, but let me go.

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