Jersey City International TV & Film Festival President Craig Goletz, also a co-founder of the organization, died from COVID-19 earlier today.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I am heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend Craig Goletz this afternoon from COVID-19. Thank you for your prayers and keep them coming for all who are still suffering. I love you, buddy. 💔💔💔,” Michael McAssey wrote on Facebook.Â
“Craig Goletz going to miss our talks and especially your words of wisdom. We lost a man of high character, decency and love for his fellow man. My prayers are with your wife, and family … This isn’t right all he wanted to do was spoil his grandchildren. Rest In Peace my friend … Jersey City is definitely going to miss you,” Bruce Alston said in a separate post.
Along with his wife Maureen, Goletz, 61, founded the JCITVFF in 2014, which he had previously described as an opportunity for independent film makers to showcase their talents in the New York Metropolitan area.
He had also previously served as a member of the New Jersey City University’s Art Advisory Board, and had also previously been a Democratic committee man, as well as a consultant for the Jersey City Employment and Training Program.
“I don’t even know where to start, anyone that knows me, knows I don’t rattle easy, I’m shaken at this very moment. Look at all these pictures I’m in with Craig Goletz & Maureen Goletz, We have done so much together over the years, had so much fun,” John Lynch wrote on Facebook.
“We supported each other’s initiatives. Maureen Goletz I know we just spoke & cried together. You need anything you let me know. It all started from an email from Mayor Fulop, introducing us in 2014, we met for lunch & have been friends ever since.”
Goletz had been hospitalized for over a week and had continued to post on social media as recently as Easter Sunday.
“Lord as you rise in glory today please take the evil Covid with you. Many of us are still struggling. Help us to be free and get back to doing your will on earth. Thank you!”
As of 9 p.m. this evening, Jersey City had disclosed 3,194 coronavirus cases and 231 related fatalities.
I am so sorry to learn of Craig’s passing! He was such a kind person, and I will miss him! I know he will be missed by his family and so many people 💔