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Joseph Z. Krajewski died in his sleep on the morning of June 15, 2017. He was 93 and a decorated World War II Army Ranger.
Mr. Krajewski was born in Shadyside, New Jersey, on January 14, 1924, to Andrew and Sophie (Zaniewska) Krajewski, both of whom had emigrated from Poland. He was one of five boys. His family moved to Southampton and lived on Magee Street where the boys all attended Tuckahoe School. He left school to work in a war factory in New Jersey, then at age 18 he volunteered for service in the United States Army and was inducted on February 8, 1943. He volunteered to be an Army Ranger. His deployment began on March 13, 1944, when he was shipped to the Pacific, fighting against the Japanese. He was a squad leader and staff sergeant in charge of 39 men.
He participated in battles and campaigns in the Western Pacific in the Philippine Islands and New Guinea. He was sent home on November 19, 1945, and arrived back in the United States on December 7, 1945, and given an honorable discharge from Company “G” 167 Infantry on December 20, 1945. He got home to Southampton on Christmas Eve. He was awarded the American Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart and World War II Victory Medal.
After the war, Mr. Krajewski worked in restaurants in New York City, ultimately becoming well-known at Toots Shor’s Restaurant. In 1960, along with business partner, Skeets, he opened Judge’s Restaurant on the canal in Hampton Bays. Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Jeanne (Kramer) Krajewski. They dated for many years and were married in 1969. Together they raised Jeanne’s daughter, Stephanie (Krajewski) McNamara. They continued together as proprietors of Judge’s until they retired in 1983.
Mr. Krajewski was an extraordinary golfer, survivors said, and a member of Southampton Golf Club for decades, taught his wife to play, and together they enjoyed many years of retirement, golfing, traveling with friends and family, and spending time with their grandchildren.
Mr. Krajewski was predeceased by his wife, Jeanne Krajewski; brothers, Gene, Chester, Zigmund and Walter Krajewski; and son-in-law, Gary McNamara. He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie McNamara; and three grandchildren, Lauren, Luke and Collin McNamara.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of O’Connell-Rothwell Funeral Home in Southampton. A wake will be held on Wednesday, June 21, from 6 to 9 p.m., and a funeral will be held on Thursday, June 22, at 10:30 a.m. at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton.
on Jun 19, 2017