NAME Founder Leo Godzich Dies in Uganda Car Accident

Pastor Leo Godzich, 52, died in a car accident on Thursday while in Uganda. Godzich, CEO and founder of the National Association of Marriage Enhancement, was in the country to speak at an event in Zirowbe. Godzich is survived by his wife, Molly, and three daughters.

At 4:44 p.m. EST, NAME Marriage Network posted on its Facebok page: “Pastor Leo passed away today. He was in a car accident in Uganda. He will be greatly missed- a great man of God, a great husband, father, pastor and leader. Please pray for the family.”

NAME is a network of churches and couples committed to biblical marriage ministry. It has more than 200 centers in seven countries and its headquarter offices are in Phoenx. In addition to founding the nonprofit organization, Godzich was pastor of special projects at Tommy Barnett’s church, Phoenix First Assembly of God in Phoenix. He was also the host of the International Marriage Conference and a leading force in the Covenant Marriage Movement.

His brother John Godzich posted on Leo Godzich’s Facebook: “I am writing this from Ukraine… My younger brother Pastor Leo Godzich passed away in a car accident in Uganda, doing what he does best, spreading the Word of God. He died as he lived… giving his life for others. Open the gates of heaven,for a mighty warrior has come home.”

There are countless comments on Godzich’s personal page and NAME’s page, expressing sadness over his death and gratitude for his ministry.

Lee Grady wrote: “I’m so very sorry to hear of Pastor Leo’s death. I was with him at a conference in Lima, Peru, in September and heard him preach. We have lost a great champion who stood for godly marriage and strong families.”

There will be a memorial service at Phoenix First Assembly at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to NAME in Godzich’s name.