William Joseph Najmy

Born August 29, 1933 and died June 4, 2015, peacefully at home, surrounded by all of his children and loving wife. Bill was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, after his parents immigrated from Syria. He was the youngest of 7 children and was the last surviving member of his siblings. Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Europe. Prior to and following his military service, he owned and operated a family grocery business, Najmy Brothers Ovington Market, in partnership with his brother. In 1957, he married the love of his life, Josephine. While living in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, they had their five children. In 1976, Bill relocated the family to Sarasota/Bradenton, where he owned and operated Five Star Auto Body for over 20 years. He had many ongoing entrepreneurial pursuits, including real estate investing. Bill was a successful businessman, loving husband, and dedicated father. He enjoyed cooking, travel, nature, music, and home improvement. He was also a movie enthusiast, with a personal collection of over a thousand titles.

Bill had a great love for life and unwavering devotion to his family. In retirement Bill spent most of his time with his wife, children and grandchildren, vacationing with his family and entertaining many friends and relatives. Bill was a devoted patriarch of his large and loving family. His warmth and generosity will endure, and his strength and adventurous spirit will continue to inspire those who knew him. A devout Catholic, Bill was strong in his faith his entire life; he was the nephew of Rome-appointed Archbishop, Justin Najmy and the brother of Roman Catholic nun, Mary Najmy. While living in Brooklyn, Bill was an active member of the Melkite Eastern Catholic Church, The Virgin Mary. Upon relocation to the area, he became an active member of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and later a regular attendee of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Bradenton and St. Martha Catholic Church of Sarasota.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Josephine, his 5 children, 13 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.