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Maria Elena Godleski had many people helping her celebrate her late brother's birthday Friday about 100 people packed into O'Neill's Pub and Restaurant in South Norwalk to benefit a scholarship in his name.
Neil Godleski, 31, a student at Catholic University of America, was murdered last August in Washington, D.C. Tickets to the Friday night fundraiser in honor of his birthday were $30 each, and the proceeds went to benefit the Norwalk High School Alumni Association Neil Godleski Memorial Scholarship. An 18-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder in Neil's shooting death.
Heidi Godleski, Neil's mother, is a secretary of the association. Maria organized the benefit, and many of Neil's family members attended along with people who knew Neil from kindergarten through high school, who went to catechism with him or who were on the wrestling team with him.
Lindsey Conger went to kindergarten with Neil. "He was awesome," she said. "Always positive, and happy." She added that he was good looking. "He was a cutie," she said.
Alexis Levin knew him since eighth grade. "He was just so sweet," she said. "We miss him a lot." Serving hors d'oeuvres and drinks in the crowded restaurant was perfect, she said: "This is the way he would have wanted it, celebrating on his birthday."
Maria organized the event on Facebook, where she commented how much she appreciated the support given to the scholarship fund: "It means a tremendous amount to my family," she said.
Did you know Neil Godleski? Share some memories below!
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