Joseph Naprawa Jr
Age - 45
November 25, 2023
My Way!
My name is Joseph Naprawa, Jr. and if you're READING THIS, I LOST MY BATTLE WITH BRAIN CANCER!! I'm writing my own obituary to help my loved ones from sitting around trying to sort out my famed heroics from half-truths of stuff I never did!!
I was born May 19th, 1978, to Nancy and Joseph Naprawa, that's where the trouble began!!AT a young age my dad dropped me on my head which really explains a lot!! Obviously not on purpose, so he says!! I was raised in Florence, where I played most sports, swam in the river and did a lot of fishing. I raced BMX bikes once in my teenage years, played high school football for the legend Joe Frappolli. Some would say I excelled at the sport, receiving several awards, more importantly, I learned the about game of life. But I didn't realize until many years later, if I excelled in the classroom like I did on the field, I could've played in college, but again I knew everything! I joined the Florence Fire Department, where I met my first wife, had two beautiful girls, Kayleigh and Alaina. I then started my journey as a career Cinnaminson Firefighter. It was a short-lived career - lesson 1 - always ask permission!! This is where football lessons got me through, I found being a truck driver was perfect for me!! I worked for Coca Cola in Philly for several years!! lesson 2- divorce- Somebody wasn't happy. It was the hardest time getting used to not having my girls around, but also just as I was picking myself up again, I met my future superstar wife Dana, and two awesome boys Ronnie and Deegs. Shortly after I got myself and the boys in football, (she had Ronnie in soccer thank God I fixed that!) It all came back to me. I was now passing the messages to Florence youth about everything I was taught. Dana and I soon got married, and moved to Northern Burlington, and our wild ride continued. I switched careers to Wakefern, which I loved, long overdue, and I should have done it years earlier. The first year I coached at Northern, we won the Championship game and the Football community took us in with open arms.
But like all good things in my life, I would soon face the hardest challenge of my life. Father's Day, 2022, my life changed when my right side became paralyzed. With my "Pitbull Wife" by my side a week later, I was diagnosed with brain cancer, GBM grade 4. I faced challenges through my rehab, but I persevered. I knew I had brain cancer but I didn't let my wheelchair control me. Did I have bad days? Of course! Did I cry? Dana and I allowed ourselves one good cry the night of my diagnosis, but I knew I couldn't dwell on the bad or I would rot in the chair. I knew I wanted more than the bed and the Chair. I read a book by David Goggins and that was what drove me. I can now walk, ride my Peloton, get to see my boys play Football. Dana has been there EVERY day for eighteen months, and together we have pushed through. I have had the best support system, brother in laws and friends who helped get my house ready to make the transition home easier for us. Friends helped get me to games, set up fundraisers to help us, and my sister was by me every step of the way.
I'm survived by my wife Dana (Borden/McClain), 2 sons, Ronnie and Deegan Borden, Kayleigh and Alaina Naprawa and a special "kiddo", my parents, Nancy and Joe Naprawa, Kim and Patrick McClain, aunts, uncles, cousins, family members, friends, and Pets.
This is just a small excerpt of my story. We all know I did things my own way. I wasn't normal up until the end. That's what kept it interesting. So, I don't want tears. I need to make sure I go out my way. I don't want you to feel sorry me or my family. I want you to feel sorry for the ones who don't fight. Look out for my boys. And remember, now I got the best seat in the house and I'M ALWAYS WATCHING!!!!!
A viewing will take place on Monday, November 27, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm followed by Funeral Services at 4:00 pm.
As per Joes wishes, he would like everyone to wear SPORTS Jerseys, Shirts, Memorabilia,
NO SUITS! NO BLACK!
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Joe to:
Samaritan Hospice - SamaritanNJ. org/donate
or mail to:
Samaritan Gift Processing Center
PO Box 71425
Philadelphia, PA 19176-1425
Or
Riders for a Cause
19 Evans Lane
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648Show more
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