Martin (David) Godgart

Martin David Godgart, 87, died at home, August 4th, 2015. Dr. Godgart, son of Harry & Jenny, was born in Brooklyn & grew up on Staten Island. A track, basketball & baseball star, Dr. Godgart won numerous awards. He graduated from Curtis High School and received the first of his many degrees from Wagner College. From 1952-1954, Dr. Godgart joined the US navy, as a proud member of the Seabee’s. Stationed in Davisville RI, he was in charge of transporting millions of dollars between the bank and military bases. Earning a Masters from UCONN, and Doctorate from NYU, Dr. Godgart held numerous positions in the field of education including; Dean of Quinnipiac College, Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Meriden & Southington, & Professor of Education at Manchester Community College. He also started Knight Hall Nursery School and CPEC, an organization for professional educators. In later years, Dr. Godgart lived in Boynton Beach Fl where he worked as a C.O.P. and was named an honorary Sheriff of the Boynton Beach police dept. Dr. Godgart is perhaps most infamous for having his identity stolen by Ferdinand Waldo Demara, better known as The Great Imposter’. Demara utilized Godgart’s credentials to impersonate an elementary school teacher on New England’s Haven Island, where he was finally arrested by the coast guard. Multiple books and movies have been written on the subject. Dr. Godgart had a quick wit, hilarious sense of humor & a great love for UCONN basketball, flea markets & Dunkin Doughnuts. He leaves behind a wife Roberta Abrahamson, sister Irene, children Robert, Shari and Karen, Grandchildren, Jake, Ben and Daniel. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dr. Godgart’s name to the Seabee Museum and Memorial Park, 21 Lafrate Way, North Kingstown, RI 02852. (401) 885-2383 Donations@seabeesmuseum.com / www.seabeesmuseum.com

Service Date: 01/01/1970