Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph Casmir Drauszewski

On October 26, 2025, our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Joseph Casmir Drauszewski, passed peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly Father, reunited with his cherished wife, Grace Belle. His passing leaves a profound void that will be filled only with time and the many memories he gifted us. Born on September 10, 1935, in Derby, Connecticut, Joseph was a first-generation American, the son of Polish immigrants who came to the U.S. shortly before World War I. Raised in the Catholic faith and educated at St. Michael’s Parish and Derby High School (Class of 1953), Joseph embodied integrity, humor, and quiet strength from an early age. A talented golfer, he once flirted with amateur status in his teens before answering a different calling—to serve his country. In 1954, Joseph enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, training as a medical corpsman at Forbes Field in Topeka, Kansas. It was there he met the love of his life, Grace Belle Swendson. They were married in Atchison, Kansas, on September 6, 1958, beginning a partnership of devotion, laughter, and adventure that would span 54 years, six children, and travels across the world. During his 34-year Air Force career, Joseph served with distinction across the United States, Europe, and Asia—including postings in Turkey, Germany, Italy, and Vietnam. Rising through the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel, he specialized in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and later commanded multiple munitions squadrons. His leadership earned the respect and friendship of those who served under him. Joseph retired from active duty in 1991, following an extraordinary career marked by courage, service, and love of country. He continued his public service as a civil servant at the Defense Nuclear Agency for an additional 14 years before retiring in 2004. A man of deep curiosity and boundless energy, Joseph loved history, gardening, golf, reading the Washington Times, and sharing stories of his travels. Together, he and Grace built a family centered on love, laughter, and Sunday dinners filled with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Even in his later years, Joseph remained quick with humor, steadfast in faith, and proud of the family legacy he and Grace created. Joseph is survived by his children Matthew (Lora), Andrew (Nancy), Diane (John), Mark (Judy), Tammy (Jim), and Monique, spouse to his late son William. He is also survived by his 15 beloved grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, each carrying forward a piece of his heart and wisdom. The family extends special thanks to his granddaughter Shelby Marcey, whose loving words helped guide her grandfather peacefully home to Grace and to God. Her gentle faith was a blessing in his final moments. A life well-lived, a legacy well-loved—Joe’s strength, kindness, and devotion will remain forever in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph Casmir Drauszewski

September 10, 1935 - October 26, 2025