Dr. Maximillian William "Max" Dajnowicz

On September 21, 2025, Dr. Maximillian (Max) William Dajnowicz went to be with our Lord in eternal glory. He passed peacefully of natural causes, surrounded by his family in Fernandina Beach Florida.
Max was born on November 25th, 1936, in Detroit Michigan. His rich life began among family, as a second-generation descendant of Poland. As a young man, he camped with his family in Charlevoix Michigan, where his father would later build a lakeside resort, mostly with his own skills learned as owner of an automotive supplier company. He also worked at his father's boat shop as a teen and ultimately one of the largest corporations in the world.
Max graduated from the prestigious Cranbrook boarding school, where he competed in several sports, and maintained lifelong friendships. Max enjoyed time on the lake, built two boats from scratch, and had an early interest in cars, being from the Motor City.
Max had an extraordinary aptitude for language which led him to serve the US Army intelligence arm and attending the defense language institute at the Presidio in Monterey California. The young soldier married Terry Jo Horstman as soon as she turned eighteen. The ceremony was held at the Pebble Beach County Club. Max and Terry were initially stationed in Japan, where their oldest, Robin Maria, was born. Post Army, the young family moved home, where Max attended and graduated from Wayne State University.
In 1962, Max began his career with General Motors, and welcomed second child, Hollie Michelle. His abilities led to frequent promotions and moves across America, every one to three years. He rose to become a zone manager in a few locations, which involved several states, sales and service teams, and administrative staff. During the early years of his career, children three and four were born, Mark Alan and Matthew Robert.
He made things happen everywhere he went and was recruited to go to Moscow Russia to create a dealership network. He accepted and while serving there was ultimately promoted to Vice President General Motors Overseas Corporation. He spent four years opening the first 17 GM dealerships throughout Russia. In was the pinnacle of an illustrious career, and a tremendous chapter in their lives.
After thirty-five years, Max had earned his retirement chapters. This began in Mount Dora Florida, then a decade stay in Brevard NC, and ultimately Amelia Island for six years. This is their thirty first home. During these years, Max belonged to the Elks club, served as the Director at the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce, and was on the board of Lake-Sumter State College in Leesburg, FL.
Max was admired and respected by all he met. He was loved by his wife of 68 years, his children, and other family and friends. His magnetic presence will never be forgotten. He, along with Terry, were especially proud of their four kids, all successful, self-sustaining family-oriented people. There are seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren remaining to emulate his life.
Max is predeceased by his parents, William and Irene Dajnowicz and his brother, Robert Dajnowicz. He is survived by his wife and sweetheart, Terry Jo and their four children, Robin Fishman (Jerry) of Weston, FL; Hollie Keffer (Rick) of Amelia Island, FL; Mark Dajnowicz (Stephenee) of Lititz, PA and Matthew Dajnowicz (Beth-deceased) of Collierville, TN. His grandchildren, Katie Schmidt, Christopher Keffer, Sydney Pyle, Samantha Dajnowicz, Max Dajnowicz, Avery Dajnowicz, and Holden Dajnowicz. The three great grandchildren to date, Averett, George and Blair Schmidt. Additionally, his dear sister, Suzanne Walker (Gary) and her daughter Jenell of Troy, Michigan.
To better understand Max, look up Benjamin Franklin's thirteen virtues. Max lived with these convictions and shared many pearls with family and friends. In the midst of a busy career and family life, Max went on to earn his Master's degree from the University of Utah, and his PHD as a Doctor of Philosophy in Business specializing in International Business Relations from Nova Southeastern University in Florida while working for GM. Max was fluent in eight languages and was a continuous student of life. Max was a tremendous husband, father, friend, and had a unique way of spreading good humor with anyone who crossed his path. He lived a wonderful life and since the day they met, he adored his wonderful wife, Terry.
A celebration of life will occur November 29, 2025 on Amelia Island with more details to follow. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Max's honor to either:
• Nassau County Council on Aging: 1901 Island Walk Way, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 or nassaucountycoa.org
• St. Timothy United Methodist Church: 1020 Asheville Hwy, Brevard, NC 28712 or sttimothy-brevard.org.