Obituary: Ladmir J. "Joe" Zvanovec, USN. Ret., 87

CDR Ladimir Joseph “Joe” Zvanovec, USN, Ret. of Newport, RI, passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2016 in Providence, RI at the age of 87. He was the beloved husband of Ann Zvanovec for 56 years.

Born February 16, 1929 in Winona, Minnesota, to Joseph and Pauline (Larsen) Zvanovec, he grew up in Cheney, Washington during the Great Depression, graduating from Cheney High School in 1946. Joe attended the University of Toledo and applied to US Navy OCS upon graduation. After three years of active duty on an amphibious force ship in Korea, Joe used the GI Bill to enroll in the foreign trade course at Thunderbird in Glendale, AZ, which led to a year in Brazil working for the Singer Sewing Machine Co. He missed navy life and opted to make a career in the US Navy, serving for twenty-five years. During his naval career Joe served on several ships, at the time of the Vietnam War as operations officer aboard the heavy cruiser Newport News and later in command of the destroyer Robert K. Huntington. Joe was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. Shore postings included Hawaii, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil, which led to many exciting adventures for his family.

Joe’s philosophy was to work hard, play hard, and set your sights high. His work ethic was evidenced by the many check marks on his long to-do lists, and this summer’s vegetable garden was already in the planning stages. But he also enjoyed relaxing at the end of a long day, sitting out on the deck listening to the sounds of Narragansett Bay or to classical music on a portable radio. Joe loved singing and making music, playing both the ukulele and polkas on his Czech button accordion. Although he was very private and often quiet and serious, at times he’d burst out with, “I love this life I lead!” surprising any family member in range.

Besides his wife Ann, Joe is survived by three daughters: Kathy (Tim Higbee) Zvanovec of Maine, Denise (Liang-Neng Wong) Zvanovec of California, and Nancy (Larry) Richardson of California; by his brother Joel (Jeannie) Zvanovec of Ohio, by a niece Debbie (John) Kos and his nephews Jay (Kim) Zvanovec and Jon Zvanovec, all of Ohio. Joe is also survived by grandsons Shane Clayton and Gavin Wong. Joe treasured his family and was also close to childhood friends from Cheney days and many dear cousins in Minnesota. He is greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

In keeping with Joe’s wishes, his burial will be private. If you wish, donate a gift in his memory to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development

875 N. Randolph St. Ste 225, Arlington, VA 22203 or to the USO, Department WS

PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 20090-6860.