Melvin Znamirowski

            Melvin Znamirowski, born on February 16, 1925, in Baltimore, Maryland, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2015, at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. He was the beloved son of Martin Znamirowski, originally from Poland, and Apolonia Pryla of Baltimore.

             Melvin proudly served his country during World War II, enlisting in the Navy on September 20, 1943, and receiving an honorable discharge on April 25, 1946. He played a vital role in the Amphibian Boat Pool campaigns in Algeria and at the NOB Palermo, Sicily. The US Naval Bases in North Africa, where he was stationed, were crucial in supplying the Allied forces during the North African and Western Desert campaigns and later supported the invasion of Italy.

          In 1949, Melvin married Jessie Bednarczyk from Baltimore. Together, they raised five children: Paula Jane (passed at 6 days old), Sandra Jane (married to the late Richard Goetsch), Melvin Raymond ("Skip"), Martin John, Carole Sue (married to John Armstrong), and Mark James (married to Dana Wollenweber). Melvin was also a loving grandfather to Carole and John's children, Jessica (married to John Palmer) and their children Wyatt, Elisha, and Sebastian (deceased), Jacob and Sahra Armstrong and baby Elanor, Joshua and Megan Armstrong and their children (Deitrich, Sophia, Gabriel, and Daniel); Mark and Dana's son, Ethan; and Sandra and Richard's children, grands and great grands.

          Melvin was a man of many talents and interests. He loved to laugh and dance, often gliding across the dance floor with his beloved Jessie. A jack of all trades, Melvin could hang wallpaper, perform faux wood painting, do cement work, and handle auto repairs. He skillfully renovated their home on Ridgeway Avenue in Overlea. His love for the water, which inspired his Navy service, was matched by his passion for fishing. Additionally, he was an excellent baker, especially known for his apple strudel, working part-time at a bakery owned by his wife's uncle.

          Melvin's pleasant disposition was known to all. His cheerful "la la la" singing was a familiar sound when he was happy, and he loved sharing Tootsie Roll pops with his children and grandchildren. He tenderly cared for Jessie during her battle with breast cancer until she passed away in 1979, just shy of their 30th wedding anniversary.

               Melvin spent his career at Gamse as a two-color printer, mastering a now-lost art. In 1984, he found love again and married Lorraine Drumgoole, a longtime friend. Melvin embraced Lorraine's seven children and their extended families, becoming a cherished grandfather to many more grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Melvin and Lorraine enjoyed over 30 years of marriage.

              Melvin's life was marked by love, laughter, and service. Fittingly, he departed this world as a lullaby played over the intercom, announcing the birth of a new baby, symbolizing the beautiful cycle of life.

           He will be laid to rest with military honors in the Maryland Veteran's Cemetery in Crownsville on August 12, 2024 at 1 PM. Melvin Znamirowski will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, skill, and joy will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

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