Joseph Konicki

Joseph Konicki obituary, Columbia, SC

Joseph Konicki

Joseph Konicki Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 29 to Mar. 30, 2015.
Joseph Konicki COLUMBIA - Captain Joseph S. Konicki, USN (retired) and CEO of Wamar International Group, passed away on March 24, 2015 as a result of a sudden heart attack. He was 53 years old. Captain Konicki was born in Los Angeles, CA to Joseph J. and Marilyn (LaHood) Konicki. He grew up in Butte, MT, Casper, WY, Denver, CO and finally in Spring, TX where he was an outstanding athlete and the 1980 state high jump champion. After graduating from Klein High School in 1980, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy and continued his athletic dominance - serving as captain of the track team and winning the Penn Relays in 1983 before graduating in 1984. He began his naval career on various ships including the USS Platte which participated in the 1986 Statue of Liberty Anniversary in New York where he met his future wife, Judith, while touring the tall ship HMS Bounty. They married in 1990 and shortly thereafter moved to Monterey, CA to continue his education at the Navy Postgraduate School. He graduated in 1993 with a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Joe proudly served our country for more than 30 years in a variety of roles including: Chief of Staff, Naval Air Systems SEA05, Director of Energy Reconstruction for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Deputy Director/Chief Operating Officer at the U.S. Navy Electric Ships Office in D.C., Commanding Officer of SPAWAR in Norfolk, VA and Chief of Staff for Maintenance and Engineering, Surface Forces Atlantic in Pascagoula, MS. As a true patriot and wanting to support the Iraqi Freedom mission, Joe volunteered to go to Iraq for 13 months. While deployed in Baghdad, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his leadership and direction in the construction of two new power plants, an oil refinery, and restoring the Iraqi national electric grid. Joe is survived by his wife of 24 years, Judith (Corcoran) and his daughter, Kathleen; mother, Marilyn Konicki, sister, Catherine Konicki, and sister-in-law, DeLin Konicki of Spring, TX; sister, Jeanne Boyd of Atlanta, GA; brother, Thomas (Mary) Konicki of Woodbridge, VA; mother-in-law, Margaret S. Corcoran of Niagara Falls, NY; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Stephan and Veronica Konicki of Steubenville, OH; maternal grandparents, Stephen and Montana LaHood of Butte, MT; father, Joseph Konicki and brother, Michael Konicki of Spring, TX; and father-in-law, Robert P. Corcoran of Niagara Falls, NY. Visitation with the family will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 at Dunbar Funeral Home on Devine Street in Columbia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Rd. in Columbia with Rev. Father Alexander McDonald officiating. Interment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support his daughter's youth mission trip at www.mustardseed.com/goto/kkonicki Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.

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August 14, 2017

Someone posted to the memorial.

September 8, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

April 22, 2016

Gary Ly posted to the memorial.

August 14, 2017

I just saw that Joe had passed away on the Klein High School Class of 80 facebook site. I have great memories of "Herr Konicki" in our German class with Herr Lehnardt. Joe was always upbeat and keen to learn from others. I can't even picture him in my mind without a big smile on his face. R.I.P

-Richard Jensen

September 8, 2016

Dear Marylyn and the Konicki family. Please accept my apology for my delay I just learned of Joe's untimely passing. My deepest condolences too all of you.
I was blessed to briefly meet Joe many years ago (1987). He was an exceptional and special young man. Whom I always thought a lot of and will always hold a special place in my heart. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Warmest Regards, Karen Gillespie

Gary Ly

April 22, 2016

I knew Joe Konicki only in high school; before the Navy, before his accomplished career. And I've read all of your thoughtful reviews from persons that knew him through all stages of his life. Sometimes death can aggrandize one to be more than they were, but in this case, everything I read, I can truly see credible extrapolation from his behaviors and attitude as a teenager. He was certainly not the norm in a high school student as he was endowed with a mix of athletic and academic ability. Bestowed with a calm and charming demeanor that met each person without prejudice or assumption. Reading through these stories, makes me want to live my life better, for Joe's stories is one of those that make me feel a bit guilty of how I have lived my life. He was truly a remarkable person.

Debra Doyle

April 21, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Konicki family as Joe is laid to rest today. May you all find peace.

Michael Moore

April 19, 2016

Joe was a tremendous individual in all that he participated in. In high school we spent a lot of time on the track and it was always a pleasure to talk with him. I got to know his younger brother Michael who preceded him in death and he told me many stories about Joe while he was in the Navy. Joe you will be truly missed. I am praying for the Konicki family and you all have my sincerest condolences.
Michael Moore Class of 1980

February 22, 2016

My sincerest condolences to the Konicki family. I knew Joe at the Naval Academy. He was a very nice fellow, and I'm glad I was fortunate to make his friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Alex Smith

John Michael

December 31, 2015

So sorry. Joe's untimely passing had tragic consequences as he would be too sorely missed. The loss, pain and grieving proved to be unbearable to some. Rest in peace, Joe, you really were a great guy.

Carl Jacobson

September 14, 2015

This comes as quite a shock. I knew Joe at the Navy department where he was a great person to work with and was always willing to help. He possessed an almost-unheard-of combination of great people skills and technical ability. My condolences to his family.

Patrick Alva

May 27, 2015

Joe, you was a super athlete and a great friend. We went to HS together KHS 80. Then we crossed paths in military service I was in the Marine Corps. I often thought of you and your very close buddy Allen S. Joe was so friendly and nice. Tall and thin. That was Joe always practicing on the track team. God bless you and your family. Semper Fi Joe.

Mark McDowell

April 28, 2015

I want to pass along my condolences to The surviving family. I was Joe's plebe year roommate at the Naval Academy and one of the first people I met upon entering the Academy. Although we lost touch after graduation, I still have very fond memories of our days as roommates despite the 30 years that have gone by. I am very sorry for your loss.

Robin Franke

April 5, 2015

Fair winds and following seas to a classmate and fellow Texan

Gary Levy

April 2, 2015

Judy,
I'm so very sorry. My prayers are with you and your family.

Gary Levy

Brenda Long

April 1, 2015

Judith and Kathleen, you have our deepest sympathy on the loss of Joe. I did not work with him long but it was enough to learn that he loved his family dearly. Kathleen, I knew you before I ever met you because your father described you to a tee. He was so proud of you and he told me about your scholastic ability, your love of animals your golfing capabilities and much more. Judith I knew before I met you what a dedicated mother and wife you were. Because he spoke of you often. I know that Joe was a good man and cared for others. He did great deeds for his country and he will be missed. May God Bless the two of you and keep you and help you through this very difficult period and keep you safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Brenda and Steve Long

Todd and Linda Black

April 1, 2015

To the Konicki family, it is with great sadness that I learned about Joe's passing. I only knew him a few months at SPAWAR Norfolk, but his leadership and good nature made an immediate and lasting impression on the Command. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be missed.

Mike and Judy Davis

April 1, 2015

Dear Judith and Family,
Judy and I would like to express our most sincere sympathy for your loss. We'll both remember fondly shared moments when we served together at COMNAVSURFLANT... just yesterday it seems. Joe had a wonderful life and made a significant difference to all who knew him.

Dean Krestos

March 31, 2015

Judith & Family,
It's with a heavy heart that I write this upon hearing of Joe's passing. He was a friend from our Naval Post Graduate School Days and we had crossed professional paths many times over the years. He was a true patriot and served our Navy proudly. His legacy will be sailing the world's oceans for years to come. May God Bless you and your family during this trying time, and may his memory be eternal.

Terri Kougiouls

March 31, 2015

Dear Marilyn and family, my family and I would like to send you our condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers and know that I am thinking of you. Love Arlene Kougioulis

Diane Martin

March 31, 2015

Words cannot express enough our deepest sympathies over your loss. We remember with great joy your wedding day, it was such a spectacular joyful event. We didn't see you much since then as you traveled the world together but your friendship has always been held dear. We are sorry we cannot be there for you in person at this time but know that we are there in prayer and in spirit. Anything you need just ask. Always your friends - Diane and David.

Chris Shearon

March 31, 2015

Dear Konicki family, I am so saddened by Joe's passing and all of the loss your family has suffered in recent years. Joe was a great teammate in High School and one of the best friends I ever had. I will never forget Joe because he was one of a kind!

March 30, 2015

Dear Marilyn and family, I am overcome with sadness for you and your family,
my friend. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I wish I could be with you in SC.
Much Love, Judy

Tara Clem

March 30, 2015

I grew up competing in high jump with Joe's sister, Cathy. I remember watching Joe at high school meets. Such a great athlete. My prayers are with the Konicki family during this difficult time.

Tim Zavertnik

March 30, 2015

My condolences to the family. I knew Joe through NAVSEA. I could never have a bad day with Joe around. He will be greatly missed.

Tucker

March 30, 2015

PRAYERS to the Konicki family.

Michael Golda

March 30, 2015

I knew Joe through the Navy's Integrated Propulsion System program. He was an exceptional officer - a true professional. His outstanding technical expertise was matched by his courtesy and good nature. It was how he related to others and his joy of life that truly distinguished Joe. I know that this short note can do little to assuage your loss, but please know that my family and I will keep you in our prayers. Michael Golda - CAPT, USNR (ret), USNA '77, NAVSSES Philadelphia

Friends from NAVSSES

March 30, 2015

Dear Konicki family.
Those of us here at NAVSSES Phila. that had the true pleasure and privilege to work with Joe in DC, enjoyed his sincere enthusiasm and friendliness. It was evident from the moment he walked into a room and grew from there. Our deepest sympathies to all your family at this difficult time.

Jerry & Heidi Reina

March 30, 2015

Dear Judith and Kathleen, We'll always have warm memories of your poolside gatherings, surrounded by friends and family, and Joe's smiles and laughter while swimming with the girls. Now we all gather round you with our thoughts and prayers to help with Joe's passing. He is missed. He is loved. He had a great life.

Rick Seraiva

March 30, 2015

Dear Konicki family.
I was stationed with Joe in Monterey and am deeply sadden by his sudden death. He truly was every aspect of an Officer and a gentleman. We went flying together through the Monterey Valley and we were on the NPS Mechanical Engineer basketball team together, along with assisting each other through studies. My deepest sympathy for you all in this time of sorrow.
Rick Seraiva USN CAPT (retired)

Rob Ploeger

March 30, 2015

Judith, Joyce and I are so saddened with the news of Joe's sudden death. As you know, I thought the world of Joe and he was a super-star when we worked together at Supship Portsmouth. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Kathleen.

Thomas Brovarone

March 30, 2015

To Judith and the rest the Konicki Family, words can't express the magnitude of your loss. I am so sorry. The world is a lesser place without Joe. Joe relieved me in Iraq back in 2008 and as a fellow Navy Captain, we always kept in touch. I will miss him.

Godspeed Joe... You are a great American and Naval Hero.
v/r... tjb

Lee Anne (Brown) and Michael Hernadi

March 30, 2015

I was so fortunate to know Joe while at Klein high school. Joe was like no one else; so sincere, funny, charming and talented. He had great dreams and he made them happen. I can only imagine there will be some amazing high jumping going on in heaven! Our prayers for peace and comfort go to his wife, their family, and to the entire Konicki family at this time of such sudden loss. Sincerely, the Brown & Hernadi families

Judy Brown

March 30, 2015

I loved Joe's smile. And how kind he was to everyone. I feel blessed to have known Joe and his brother Mike. The Konicki family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joan Redfearn

March 30, 2015

Words can't describe how very sad I am to for you and Kathleen, Judith. My heart is broken for the both of you. Please know you are in my prayers today and in the days to come.

Richard Lipscomb

March 29, 2015

Proudly served with Capt. Konicki during his tour at SPAWAR Norfolk, VA. It was an honor.

Mike and Rebecca Crockett

March 29, 2015

We were shocked to hear of Joe's death today here in Norfolk and send our love to Judith and Kathleen. What a kind-hearted man. Hugs to his girls from Norfolk. Love, Crocketts

March 29, 2015

The Konicki's are family to us, not just our Suffolk neighbors. Joe treated Aisling and Brittany with so much kindness and generosity. We will never forget the summers at their pool, sleepovers and conversations about the Navy and his love of flying. We will miss him very much.

Stanley Rasbury

March 29, 2015

Second class summer with Joe will always be one of my most memorable times at USNA.

Susan (Borden) Davis

March 28, 2015

Judith and Kathleen,
I was in Alpha company with Joe during Plebe Summer at Annapolis. He was simply a class act shipmate. I can remember his voice and smile. Joe was always friendly and sincere, that's what I remember most. I will keep you two in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you comfort in your memories today, and your knowledge that you will again be together in His home.

March 28, 2015

I just heard the sad news today, This saddens me too the core, I remember working for and with Joe on the USS Conolly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. James McCoy, Midland Michigan

Cheryl Bradley Parker

March 28, 2015

Joe was a friend of mine in high school and was always such a sweetheart to me and had a way of making me feel special. May God give you peace during this time of loss. It is an honor to have known such an outstanding man.

Amy Kleemann-Culhane

March 28, 2015

Heartfelt prayers for the Konicki family. I remember Joe from Klein HS as a class act, a gentleman and a sweet guy. May perpetual light shine upon him. Rest in peace, Joe.

Janice Lunsford-Ayers

March 28, 2015

Oh Judy, there are no words. What an incredible life he led. You have so very much to be proud of and to cherish. He must have been an amazing man! Sending love and prayer to you and Kathleen. God bless you both and hold you in the palm of His hands

Melanie Steed

March 28, 2015

Everyone at FDW airport will miss Mr. Joe. Emma Grace is really going to miss her special friend. She would seek him out as soon as she saw him arrive at the airport. Brian and I are so sorry for your loss.
Brian and Melanie Steed

Gary Ly

March 28, 2015

I only knew Joe from a few years at Klein High School. Even as a teenager he was quite a renaissance man, being skilled in both athletics and academics. The fact that I remember him as vividly as I do today is testament to the impact he made upon me in my youth. As I've not even thought of him since then, but when heating of his passing, I immediately recalled many fond memories of his generosity, humor, and gregarious nature. Reading of his post-high school life's adventures confirmed the potential I noticed and admired in him when he was but a teenager. He will be missed by many but I his substantial impact upon this world shall remain for long after.

Kent McAnany

March 28, 2015

My name is Kent McAnany. I was Joe's deputy in Iraq and got to know Joe as a highly professional and capable leader and friend. He and I were both pilots and would have great conversations about aircraft and our flying experiences.
I was so surprised to hear about his death. I will definitely miss him.
My very best wishes to his wife and children who I know he loved very much.

Jamey Shirdon

March 27, 2015

Judith, words simply cannot express the depth of our condolences! Joe was such a good man, a one of a kind! Heaven has truly gained a gem!! Just remember, it is only "goodbye for now" because we have our Lord's promises to remind us that we will be reunited with our loved ones that serve Him :-) We love you and Kathleen, Judith! PLEASE know we are praying desperately for God to comfort you and give you peace. Love, Jamey, Diana, Lorin, Sarah and Nick

Kim Hendrix Skoneki

March 27, 2015

To Joe's family, what a bright light! I feel blessed to have known Joe in high school at Klein. An encourager at all times, so loyal and loving. May God flood you now with peace, comfort and His unfailing love.

Carolyn Bittner

March 27, 2015

We are sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult times. Kathy and Carolyn

Elaine Marchegiano

March 27, 2015

Dear Judith and Kathleen,
We are so sorry about Joe. He was a wonderful man that will truly be missed. Much love to both of you.
Elaine and John Marchegiano

Vincent Dorio

March 27, 2015

Judith and Kathleen

I truly am sorry for your loss. Joe was a very good man.


Vince

Toni Kerins

March 27, 2015

Judith so sorry for you and Kathleen. I have been praying for you both since Patrice called me. Rest assured he is with the Lord.

Toni & Tom Kerins

March 27, 2015

Judith so sorry for you and Kathleen. I have been praying for you both since Patrice called me. Rest assured he is with the Lord.

Toni & Tom Kerins

The Otts

March 26, 2015

Judith, our hearts go out to the both of you, I am sitting here trying to find the right words but cannot. We are here to support with anything you need anytime. We send our love.

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August 14, 2017

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September 8, 2016

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April 22, 2016

Gary Ly posted to the memorial.