Obituary for Joseph Edward Knizewski
Joseph Edward Knizewski
Joseph Edward Knizewski passed away unexpectedly on February 17, 2022 in Marion, MA. Born in the Bronx on October 1st, 1959, he was the oldest of five children of Rita and Edward Knizewski of Port Washington, NY. In his childhood years he actively participated in Boy Scout Troop 247, ran cross country, played the cello, and participated in choir. He graduated from Paul D. Schreiber High School in 1977. Joseph especially enjoyed target shooting at the Manhasset Bay Sportsmen’s Club with his father, who was an Expert Marksman in the US Marine Corps. He also spent hours playing basketball and tinkering with his bicycle in the backyard.
Joseph grew up on Long Island Sound, which inspired his love of the water as he attended New York Maritime College in Bronx, NY. Graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1981 as a Third Assistant Engineer of Unlimited Horsepower of Steam and Motor propelled vessels, and a bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering. He also received the prestigious American Bureau of Shipping Award, graduating as one of the top cadets of his class.
Joseph had a long and accomplished career as an Engineering Officer in the Merchant Marine sailing on various vessels. Joseph advanced in his career working for Amerada Hess, highlighted by his position of Chief Engineer of the ITB Groton. The ITB Groton was not an easy vessel, with no shortage of work; in other words, a perfect vessel for Joseph, working on it for 14 years. He transitioned shore side working in various management and engineering roles for Irving Oil, and US Shipping Corp. Joseph decided to return to sea once more as Chief Engineer of the SS Chemical Pioneer, another challenging ship that he loved. Joseph’s final endeavor was Manager of Maintenance for the Steamship Authority overseeing maintenance of the ferry system connecting Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket to Cape Cod.
Joseph built many friendships throughout his life. None more special than those he created during his time at New York Maritime, which led to meeting the love of his life, Theresa Maggio of Astoria, NY. Married on October 7, 1989, they enjoyed a vibrant and spirited love for each other. Theresa “allowed Joe to play on ships”, while she created a loving and active home in Dover, New Hampshire to raise their family in. Their two sons Christopher, 30 and Thomas, 26 grew up working with their father on the many projects and old drafty house demands. This inspired them to follow their father as graduates of New York Maritime with similar career paths as Merchant Marine Officers.
Joseph was larger than life. He could always find humor in adverse situations. He will be remembered for his loving and selfless heart. Joseph had a way of making people feel safe and comfortable when was nearby.
Joseph is survived by his wife Theresa, and sons Christopher and Thomas; brother Edward C. Knizewski of Manhattan Beach, CA, and sisters Marianne Letizia of Hawthorne, NY; Julianne Laverty of Rye, NY; Ritamarie Little of Seattle, WA and their families.
A mass and celebration of life will be held at later date to be confirmed during the warmer months.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Saint Charles Children Home in Rochester, NH; Tunnels to Towers Foundation; or a charity of your choice.
Joseph Edward Knizewski passed away unexpectedly on February 17, 2022 in Marion, MA. Born in the Bronx on October 1st, 1959, he was the oldest of five children of Rita and Edward Knizewski of Port Washington, NY. In his childhood years he actively participated in Boy Scout Troop 247, ran cross country, played the cello, and participated in choir. He graduated from Paul D. Schreiber High School in 1977. Joseph especially enjoyed target shooting at the Manhasset Bay Sportsmen’s Club with his father, who was an Expert Marksman in the US Marine Corps. He also spent hours playing basketball and tinkering with his bicycle in the backyard.
Joseph grew up on Long Island Sound, which inspired his love of the water as he attended New York Maritime College in Bronx, NY. Graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1981 as a Third Assistant Engineer of Unlimited Horsepower of Steam and Motor propelled vessels, and a bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering. He also received the prestigious American Bureau of Shipping Award, graduating as one of the top cadets of his class.
Joseph had a long and accomplished career as an Engineering Officer in the Merchant Marine sailing on various vessels. Joseph advanced in his career working for Amerada Hess, highlighted by his position of Chief Engineer of the ITB Groton. The ITB Groton was not an easy vessel, with no shortage of work; in other words, a perfect vessel for Joseph, working on it for 14 years. He transitioned shore side working in various management and engineering roles for Irving Oil, and US Shipping Corp. Joseph decided to return to sea once more as Chief Engineer of the SS Chemical Pioneer, another challenging ship that he loved. Joseph’s final endeavor was Manager of Maintenance for the Steamship Authority overseeing maintenance of the ferry system connecting Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket to Cape Cod.
Joseph built many friendships throughout his life. None more special than those he created during his time at New York Maritime, which led to meeting the love of his life, Theresa Maggio of Astoria, NY. Married on October 7, 1989, they enjoyed a vibrant and spirited love for each other. Theresa “allowed Joe to play on ships”, while she created a loving and active home in Dover, New Hampshire to raise their family in. Their two sons Christopher, 30 and Thomas, 26 grew up working with their father on the many projects and old drafty house demands. This inspired them to follow their father as graduates of New York Maritime with similar career paths as Merchant Marine Officers.
Joseph was larger than life. He could always find humor in adverse situations. He will be remembered for his loving and selfless heart. Joseph had a way of making people feel safe and comfortable when was nearby.
Joseph is survived by his wife Theresa, and sons Christopher and Thomas; brother Edward C. Knizewski of Manhattan Beach, CA, and sisters Marianne Letizia of Hawthorne, NY; Julianne Laverty of Rye, NY; Ritamarie Little of Seattle, WA and their families.
A mass and celebration of life will be held at later date to be confirmed during the warmer months.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Saint Charles Children Home in Rochester, NH; Tunnels to Towers Foundation; or a charity of your choice.