Richard Banjo
July 28, 1944 — July 21, 2024
Richard James Banjo, affectionately known as Rich, passed away peacefully, in his sleep, on July 20th at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Rich was the middle child of 5, born to Joseph M Banjo and Margaret R Banjo on July 28, 1944, in his home town of Youngstown Ohio. He was a proud U.S. Veteran, who enlisted in the Air Force, soon after graduating high school. In the Air Force he held the highest level of top secret clearance obtainable, and was stationed in the Philippines...shhhh to do "secret stuff".
He was a proud graduate of Youngstown University and earned a Bachelor's Degree. His career was marked by dedication and excellence; he retired from Sea Star, a shipping industry, and was responsible for managing shipments to Puerto Rico.
In 2012, Rich married the love of his life, Mellie (Szochet) Banjo and together, they built a happy home, filled with love and lots of laughter. Rich was a devoted husband to his wife and was loved by his step family Jerry Friedman and daughters Eva and Hannah. He was a doting grandfather to the youngest grandchildren Samantha and Isablella; born to Richard and Madeleine Friedman.
Regardless of his injured back, Rich was an outdoor enthusiast, often golfing, boating, caring for his beautiful plush yard, planting, weeding, and attending NFL and College football games. Indoors, he was a wonderful cook, handyman, and avid reader.
He is survived by his sisters: Marian Hrelec, Madeline Sandy, Marilyn Nuenshwander and brother Joe Banjo. His legacy is carried on by his loving wife, Mellie, cousin Rachel, and his siblings. His niece Maureen Nuenshwander, nephews Michael Nuenshwander and David Sandy will sadly feel his absence.
Rich will be remembered as a loving husband, step dad, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His warmth, and the laughter he brought to every gathering will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, laughing with him and dancing with him.
A service to honor Rich's life will be held on August 9th, 2024 at 4:00 P.M. Guest should arrive starting at 3:00 p.m. and enjoy the slide show of his life.
Location: Naugel Funeral Home located at 1203 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32227.
He was a proud graduate of Youngstown University and earned a Bachelor's Degree. His career was marked by dedication and excellence; he retired from Sea Star, a shipping industry, and was responsible for managing shipments to Puerto Rico.
In 2012, Rich married the love of his life, Mellie (Szochet) Banjo and together, they built a happy home, filled with love and lots of laughter. Rich was a devoted husband to his wife and was loved by his step family Jerry Friedman and daughters Eva and Hannah. He was a doting grandfather to the youngest grandchildren Samantha and Isablella; born to Richard and Madeleine Friedman.
Regardless of his injured back, Rich was an outdoor enthusiast, often golfing, boating, caring for his beautiful plush yard, planting, weeding, and attending NFL and College football games. Indoors, he was a wonderful cook, handyman, and avid reader.
He is survived by his sisters: Marian Hrelec, Madeline Sandy, Marilyn Nuenshwander and brother Joe Banjo. His legacy is carried on by his loving wife, Mellie, cousin Rachel, and his siblings. His niece Maureen Nuenshwander, nephews Michael Nuenshwander and David Sandy will sadly feel his absence.
Rich will be remembered as a loving husband, step dad, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His warmth, and the laughter he brought to every gathering will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, laughing with him and dancing with him.
A service to honor Rich's life will be held on August 9th, 2024 at 4:00 P.M. Guest should arrive starting at 3:00 p.m. and enjoy the slide show of his life.
Location: Naugel Funeral Home located at 1203 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32227.
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