Obituary of William J. Nawrocki

WILLIAM J. NAWROCKI, of Hackensack, died on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at Hackensack University Medical Center, at the age of 96 years. Born in Jersey City, April 21, 1913, he has lived in Hackensack for more than 60 years. In June1935, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from New York University. At NYU, he played varsity basketball receiving letters for the same (during the season of 1933-34, the team was undefeated). After Bill completed four years of ROTC, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Officer's Reserve. In 1940, he was called to Active Duty with the US Army, where he served with the Engineer School, the ERTC, and the Engineer Board. He was reassigned to the Research & Development Division, ASF, The Pentagon, and became Chief, Engineer and Transportation Section. He was honorably discharged from the Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1946 but remained active in the Army Reserve until 1963. In 1964, he was appointed Acting Postmaster of Hackensack and a year later was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and received his Presidential Commission as the Postmaster of Hackensack. Formerly, Bill was the Chairman of the Housing Authority for the City of Hackensack, Commander of the Military Officer of World Wars, a member of the American Legion Post # 55 of Hackensack, and a founder of the Hackensack Junior Miss Baseball. He was also involved with the Boy Scouts of America, Salvation Army, Kiwanis Club of Hackensack, organizer and active participant for the Hackensack Memorial Day Festivities, a devout parishioner of Holy Trinity R. C. Church of Hackensack and a member of the Holy Name Society. Bill was active as well in many other civic affairs and organizations and listed in Marquis "Who's Who in the East." Beloved husband of the late Marion E. (nee Mac Ewen). Devoted father of Christine E. Meyer of Ramsey, Nancy E. Bauerlein and her husband Bruce of Wyckoff, Suzanne E. Mannino and her husband Ronald of Wyckoff, and the late JoAnn Foschino and Kathy Freeman. Loving grandfather of Jennifer, Michelle, Michael and Marisa, Max, Cheryl and Ryan, T.J., William, Tracey, Lisa and Mark, and Rob. Cherished great grandfather of Sara, Kyle, Isabelle and Evan. Dearest brother of the late Victoria Makowski and Natalie Smolenski. Adoring uncle of Dolores Miller of Tenafly. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 1st, at Holy Trinity R. C. Church at 11:00 AM, with entombment following at Hackensack Cemetery. Visiting will be on Sunday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. In lieu of flowers it would be appreciated that memorial donations be sent to Holy Trinity R. C. Church, 34 Maple Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601.