Joseph Anthony Najewicz

Joe was born in Arnold, Pennsylvania in 1922, as one of seven children. He was a resident of Palm Coast, Florida for the last 27 years, before recently moving to Louisville, Kentucky. He was raised in Arnold, Pennsylvania and enlisted in the Navy in 1942. During World War II, Joe was commissioned in the United States Navy and trained as a PBY aircraft pilot. He served in the South Pacific, including Okinawa, the Admiralty Islands and the Philippines where he received several commendations including the Air Medal and a Gold Star. He remained in the active reserve as a Navy pilot until 1963.

Joe married Elvira Ann DeLeonardis of Brackenridge, Pennsylvania in 1947 and they raised three sons in suburban Pittsburgh. In 1952 he received a Bachelor of Arts and History Degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Joe spent his career in the warehousing/distribution business. He was General Manager of Pittsburgh Deliveries and held several positions in the Western Auto company, until retiring in 1984 as District Vice President. In 1986 Joe and his wife moved to Palm Coast, Florida where they had many close friends and enjoyed their retirement. Joe and Elvira recently celebrated a milestone 65th wedding anniversary in November of 2012. Joe was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine, FL.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Elvira Ann DeLeonardis Najewicz; three sons: David (Rebecca) of Louisville, KY; Michael (Kathy) of San Diego, CA; Robert (Sharon) of Baltimore, MD; seven grandchildren: Christopher (Charlotte), Meredith (Brian), and Mary Ellen; Kaitlin (Patrick) and Samuel; Allison (Byron) and Meghan; three great-grandchildren: Jack, Max and Natalie; and brother and sister: Stan (Patricia) and Faye.

Memorial Services will be private.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Flagler County Library in Palm Coast in Joe’s name. Donations should be sent to Holly Albanese, Library Director, Flagler County Public Library

2500 Palm Coast Parkway, NW, Palm Coast, FL 32137, the website can also be reached at http://www.flaglercounty.org/index.aspx?NID=112.

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