Obituary of William Joseph Nalewaik

Lt. Col. William Joseph Nalewaik, Jr. age 79 a resident of Winter Haven passed away Friday, April 28, 2017 at Good Shepherd Hospice Residential Center in Auburndale with his family & good friend, Raymond Allen, at his side. He was born October 23, 1937 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to William Joseph and Bertha Rosalie (Kubaska) Nalewaik, Sr. Bill graduated from the University of St Thomas in St Paul Minnesota in 1959 with a degree in Biology. While there, he earned his pilot's license under the direction of his father, Colonel Nalewaik, who was professor of Air Science. This led to a most proud military career. His first military assignment was to Bartow Air Base for training on the T-33. While stationed there, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Dobson. They were married at St Joseph's Catholic Church on Oct 22, 1960. Col Nalewaik went on to serve 28 years in the United States Air Force. He was a command pilot with over five thousand flying hours in the KC-97 and KC-135 re-fueling aircrafts, and the FB-111 fighter jet. Over half of those flying hours where spent in combat support missions over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era. During his 28 year career he completed many Air Force courses including the Air War College. Besides his tour of duty in Southeast Asia, he had many tours in Spain, Alaska, and Newfoundland. He was honored and awarded many service medals. He loved his country and was proud to serve even though it meant separation from his family. After retiring from the military, Bill and his family moved back to the Polk County area where he worked for the State of Florida DOT aviation section and earned a degree at USF for aviation real estate appraisals. He was a resident of Polk County for 30 years and a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Winter Haven where he was a Eucharist Minister, and member of both the Bereavement Committee and RCIA. He also supported Christ Renews His Parish. Bill's faith never wavered; God was always first in his life. Bill was a long standing member of the Daedalians Pilot Association and the Ridge Model Train Club. He was also a member of the USTA men's doubles team that went to the State Championship. He also captained the USTA mixed doubles team with his wife, Marilyn, with the team making it all the way to Nationals. Bill was a talented painter. Our many thanks to the staff at Good Shepherd for the wonderful care and comfort they gave to Bill and the family during Bill's last days. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Dr Jay Bolaram, his attending physician at Winter Haven Hospital, for his compassionate care to both Bill and his family during this difficult time. Bill is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Sarah Marie, and is survived by his loving family: Wife of 57 Years: Marilyn (Dobson) Nalewaik of Winter Haven 2 Sons: William J. (Connie) Nalewaik, III of LA. Lt. Col. Timothy P. (Jill) Nalewaik of RI 2 Daughters: Alison N. (Leo) Barbaro of CO. Amy M. Nalewaik of Ft. Lauderdale Brother: Robert P. (Kitty) Nalewaik of MD Sister: Sharon (Bill) Cathrae of ID 5 Grandchildren: Stuart, Megan, Jake, Alex & Chris In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Lt. Col. William J. Nalewaik, Jr. to: Sidestreet Art Beat, 110 Third St. SW, Winter Haven, FL 863-224-8557 sidestreetartbeat.com Sidestreet Art Beat is a nonprofit organization focused on individuals with life challenges such as Alzheimer's, dementia and autism. SideStreet provides a peaceful refuge to become lost in art and creativity.