Of Bear passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday November 6, 2007 at home at the age of 70. Joseph was born and raised in Nanticoke, PA, the son of the late John and Gertrude Szczecinski and has made the Chesapeake Bay area his home for the past 20 years. Joe served his country proudly as a career Naval Officer spanning over 22 years. After attending Millersville State Teacher's College, he joined the US Navy as a Naval Cadet. Joe then earned his commission as a Naval Officer and his "wings" as a Naval Aviator who flew from The USS Independence and The USS Forrestal aircraft carriers. He then became a Pilot Instructor, serving on several naval ships as a line officer and received The Bronze Star and other medals of merit. Joe attained the rank of Commander, and he was the Commanding Officer of The USS Chuckawan, retiring in 1976. After his retirement from the US Navy, Joe attended The Pennsylvania State University earning a degree as an Architectural Designer and worked for Jaed Corporation in Smyrna, DE until his ultimate retirement. Joe was an avid reader, boater, and he was always active in his community. Joe will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 49 years, Rene Szczecinski; his family, son Scott J. Szczecinski and his wife Nikki of Kimberton, PA; daughters Jean Pupek of Phoenixville, PA and Lori Kiernan and her husband Christopher of Tampa, FL; brothers John C. Szczecinski and his wife Patricia of Catonsville, MD and James J. Szczecinski and his wife Sherri of Los Lunas, NM; and four loving grandchildren Sara and Jarrett Szczecinski, and Ashley and Kelsey Pupek. Family and friends are invited to Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday November 13th at 11:30 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 345 Bear Christiana Road, Bear, DE. Commander Joseph L. Szczecinski will be inurned at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery with military honors immediately following mass. In lieu of flowers a contribution in memory of Joe may be made to the American Heart Association, 1501 Casho Mill Road, Suite 1, Newark, DE 19713.