Joseph Jankiewicz

On June 9, 2024 Joseph Louis Jankiewicz peacefully passed away at the age of 83 at Accent Care Hospice in Rosedale, MD. 

Joe was born on November 11,1940 to parents Joseph Jankiewicz and Mary Jankiewicz (Dowgiello) who are deceased. He had four older siblings who predeceased him - sister, Constance Matousek (Jankiewicz), and brothers, Lawrence, Stanley and Thomas.

Joe attended Holy Rosary grade school and graduated from Mergenthaler High School. He enlisted in the Navy on January 2,1960, where he served as a Seaman and then a Fire Control Technician. He was aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Valley Forge. Joe was transferred to U.S. Naval Reserve and was honorably discharged on January 26, 1966.

As a civilian, Joe worked the next 34 years at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard in Long Beach, California. One of his proudest achievements was being the only S-Grade shipyard technician qualified to refurbish, repair and maintain the gunfire gyroscope systems for the USS Iowa class battleship.

Joe sang in the choir at Mary Star of the Sea and Holy Trinity Catholic churches of San Pedro, California. He also did volunteer work with hospice patients. He was a member of various clubs including San Pedro Elks and the San Pedro Model A Ford Club.

One of Joe's favorite places to visit was Catalina Island. He never tired of taking the tour bus ride there. He volunteered at the USS Iowa museum as a Tour Guide. Joe completely refurbished a Ford Model A which he found abandoned in a field. He enjoyed giving rides to family and friends around town and would make people laugh when he sounded the horn "a-hoo-ga!". He enjoyed riding his dune buggy, motorcycles, and later in life, his electric bicycles. Joe was a big fan of the LA Dodgers. He will certainly be missed by his California friends.

Joe is best known for his love of polka music and dancing. He liked to be referred to as "Polka Jo". He was in a dance troop called the Polka Highlighters that performed in Big Bear Mountain, California for Oktoberfest. He frequented polka dances in Fontana Village. Joe would also fly back East to visit with family and to join them in attending polka dances and conventions. He found it an extra treat to dance to the polka bands that included musicians who were family members (Brother in law - Al Matousek and nephews David Jankiewicz, Michael and Stephen Matousek). The ladies always enjoyed dancing with Joe as he had his own unique style.

Joe was quite a character who was loved by all and will be dearly missed.

Joe is survived by nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Rosary Church, 408 S. Chester Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM.  Family and friends may arrive at 10:00 AM before the Mass for visitation.

Internment services will be held afterward at Holy Rosary Cemetery, 7305 German Hill Road, Dundalk, MD 21222.

R.S.V.P. for attendance no later than June 25, 2024 to: Suzanne Matousek, suzanneM01@comcast.net

In Lieu of flowers, those desiring my make contributions in Joseph's name to either Prostate Cancer Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association. 

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