Joseph M. Nenichka

Joseph M. NenichkaApril 10, 1933 - March 6, 2026Joseph M. Nenichka, 92, of Mays Landing, NJ, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026. Born on April 10, 1933, and raised in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania. Joe was the beloved son of the late Joseph and Mary (nee, Zemanchik) Nenichka. He attended Swoyersville High School before continuing his education at Ocean County College. Joe proudly answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force on April 11, 1950. During his four years of honorable service, he spent nine months in South Korea during the Korean War. Following his initial enlistment, Joe continued his distinguished military career by re-enlisting in the United States Navy, where he ultimately retired after 22 years and 2 days of service. Chief Nenichka achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer as an Aviation Electronics Chief. During his Navy career, he earned designation as both a Helicopter Combat Air Crewman and an Air Rescue Crewman. While stationed aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-60) and the USS Independence (CV-62), Joe courageously participated in the rescue of five downed pilots. His service also included assignments with Patrol Squadron 11 in Brunswick, Maine, and at the Naval Air Engineering Command in Lakehurst, NJ, where he retired in 1973. Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Nenichka was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Conflict Medal, and the Korean Unit Citation. While serving with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 4, he was honored with the prestigious "Chief of the Year" award. Following his military retirement, Joe remained deeply committed to his faith and community. He was an active parishioner at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and coordinated the weekend Mass schedule for lectors and Eucharistic ministers. Joe was also a proud Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, affiliated with St. Vincent de Paul Council 3451 and St. Vincent Pallotti Assembly 680. Joe was also a member of several veterans' organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, and Fleet Reserve Branch 13. He was also a proud pensioner of the United States Navy Memorial. On July 26, 1958, Joe married the love of his life, Antoinette Martha Coar. Their marriage spanned 60 wonderful years before her passing. After fully retiring, Joe and Antoinette enjoyed traveling with their family and exploring the world together, and especially loved traveling to Europe and the Mediterranean. Joe is survived by his loving children, Joseph Nenichka and Barbara Anne Signorello (Nicholas), and by his cherished grandchildren: Alexander, Abigail, Nicholas, Charles, Victoria, Harrison (Max), and Isabelle. A viewing will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 9AM - 11AM at St. Vincent Depaul Church, 5021 Harding Hwy, Mays Landing, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Joseph M. Nenichka will be remembered for his unwavering faith, courageous military service, devotion to family, and lifelong commitment to helping others. His legacy of honor, service, and love will live on in all who knew him. Info & condolences: www.boakesfuneralhome.comBoakes Funeral Home6050 Main St., Mays Landing, NJ 08330