Bernard J. Jakobowski 1928-2021

Bernard Joseph Jakobowski, 93, a lifelong Campbell resident, passed away in Fort Thomas, Ky.

Bernie was born in Uniontown, Pa., on Jan. 16, 1928, the youngest son of Joseph and Helen Preker Jakobowski.

Bernie graduated from North Union High School, and at the age of 17, enlisted in the United States Navy. He served on two flagship vessels, the USS Taconic and the USS Catoctin. These flagships were in command of all amphibious forces in the Atlantic Ocean. Bernie was especially proud that he was given a special clearance to handle all confidential mail that came aboard or left the ship honors, which led to him being promoted to petty officer. Bernie was a very proud World War II veteran and wore his WWII hat everywhere he went.

On June 24, 1950, Bernie married the love of his life, Helen Marie Brajdic Jakobowski; they went on to celebrate 71 years of marriage this past June.

Bernie was employed by Youngstown Sheet and Tube / LTV Steel until his retirement.

Bernie had a true green thumb and tended a garden every season. He enjoyed working around his home and there was never a project he couldn’t tackle or fix. Bernie and Helen were avid polka dancers, socializing with friends at SNPJ and Avon Oaks every weekend. Because of his love of polka music, he purchased a button box and self-taught himself to play his favorite polka tunes. Bernie was also a member of the local VFW & the American Legion. He was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan, always cheering them on.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Helen; and three daughters, Donna Marie Litch of Alexandria, Ky., Denise Leeann Cooke (Phil) of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Diane Lynn Mavracick of Aston, Pa. In addition, he leaves his three granddaughters, Christine Kunich (Brian) of Scottsdale, Ariz., Tricia Marie Duty (Brent) of Alexandria, Ky., and Alexandra Mavracick (Johnny) of New York City. He will also be remembered by his four great-grandchildren, Caden and Taylor Kunich, and Chase and Emma Marie Duty. He was a wonderful grandfather and great-papa, and his grandchildren brought him much joy and happiness throughout his life.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Walter Jacobs and Edward Jakobowski; sister, Stella DeCarluci; and son-in-law, Frank William Litch Jr.

Bernie was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church in Campbell.

Calling hours will be held from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, for family and friends at St. John the Baptist Church in Campbell. A Catholic Mass will follow.

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and send Bernie’s family condolences.

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