Joseph Napadow

Joseph Napadow died at the age of 81 in Winchester, MA on February 5th 2019 after battling kidney cancer and its complications. He is survived by his wife, Nina Napadow, son Vitaly Napadow, and daughter Alla Bronzova, as well as 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Joseph was born in Kharkov, Ukraine in 1937, and survived the Nazi onslaught of that city during WWII by fleeing East with his parents. He returned after the war, receiving his education in structural engineering, earning a Master’s degree in Kharkov. He was also a performing violinist, and captain of the Ukrainian national volleyball team.

In 1977, with his wife and son, Joseph decided to leave the Soviet Union to come to the United States. After a journey through Poland, Austria, and Italy as refugees, they were allowed entry to the US in 1978 and settled in Baltimore, MD where he worked as an engineer and earned a Professional Engineer certification. With Environmental Elements Corporation, Joe worked on many environmental filtration systems, mitigating pollutant release in power stations and factories around the country. He also picked up a new sport, tennis, which he played for many years. He loved classical music, avidly attending concerts both locally and afar. Joseph was a keen follower of international affairs, enjoying travel to Europe, South America, and East Asia until limited by his health. While not religious, later in life he became interested in Buddhism and Eastern philosophy.

Joseph supported many of the Russian Jewish families who came to Pikesville, MD during the 80’s and 90’s including his parents, wife’s family, and his own daughter after the fall of the Soviet Union. His advice and generous nature were of great comfort to many immigrants who came after him and made a successful life for themselves in the US.

In 2013, Joseph moved to Stoneham, MA to be closer to his son and grandchildren. While battling deteriorating health for many years, he maintained his wry sense of humor and connections to his family, from Baltimore to Ukraine, to Israel, and Australia. He will be greatly missed by many in his community and all that he touched along the way.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 10th, from 1-2PM at Anderson-Bryant Funeral Home followed by internment at Mount Auburn Cemetery on Monday.