06/02/2026
Capt. Joseph John Drozd, Jr., MSC USN (Ret.)
Capt. Joseph John Drozd, Jr., MSC USN (Ret.), 90 of High Point passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Hayworth House at Pennybyrn surrounded by family and friends..
He was born on July 15, 1935, in Summit Hill, PA to Joseph John Drozd, Sr., and Anna Mary (Nika) Drozd. Joe graduated with a BS from the University of Notre Dame, where he played clarinet in the Fighting Irish Marching Band. He earned his MPH from the University of Michigan.
Joseph proudly served for thirty years in the US Navy, rising to the distinguished rank of Captain in the Medical Service Corps. He held numerous worldwide assignments, including Commanding Officer of the Navy Safety Center, prior to his retirement in 1989.
Joe loved to travel, and he loved music, working outside, and his golden retrievers. He and Helen traveled extensively and made numerous pilgrimages to holy sites around the world.
He played the clarinet and sax with The King Brothers, as well as dance, polka bands, and concert bands. You could always see his foot tapping out the beat of any kind of music he heard.
On retirement, Joe and Helen lived out the dream of moving to the mountains of western North Carolina, settling in the Lake James community. There they both earned degrees in horticulture and owned and operated Carolina Living Landscapes in Burke County. The Drozds made many lasting friendships in the Morganton area. They were long-time parishioners at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, where Joe was a 4th Degree in Knights of Columbus and participated faithfully in the Cursillo movement.
In 2009, Joe and Helen chose the Pennybyrn community in High Point, NC, for their final home. They were blessed to be daily communicants at the Maryfield Chapel, and they treasured their many friends as extended family. They especially loved the SMG Sisters, the clergy, and the entire dedicated Pennybyrn staff, particularly those in Hayworth House, where Joe spent his last several years. They give their most sincere gratitude to Michael Cooper, Joe's personal caregiver and his best buddy over the last 6 years.
Joe Drozd will always be remembered for his unwavering love of his family and friends, his deep faith, and his quiet but steady example of a life well-lived.
Joe is survived by his wife of thirty-seven years, Helen Triol Drozd of High Point; children, Rebecca Johnson of Florida, Jacqueline Herzer (Chris) of Jacksonville, NC, and James Messana of Florida; grandchildren, Sarah O’Connor, Ian Herzer, Aaron Herzer, Simon Herzer, and Jonathan Lipsmeyer; beloved sister-in-law, Debbe Perry; nephew, Ziggy Ignas (Barbara), grand-nieces, Monika Zajaczkowski (Jakub), Ania Ignas, and Rose Ignas; and goddaughter, Margaret Gaj (Damien)
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Maryfield Chapel at Pennybyrn, with Father Pat H***e officiating. Burial will be 10:00 AM Monday, June 15, 2026, at Salisbury National Cemetery with full military honors.
There will be a Rosary Prayer Vigil at 4:00 PM Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Mayfield Chapel with light refreshments to follow.
Memorials in Joe's memory can be made to the Pennybyrn Residents Care Fund, 109 Penny Road, High Point NC 27260.
Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point is in charge of arrangements.
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