It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Peter “Pete” Ray Najawicz on Dec. 16 at the age of 57.
Pete was born Jan. 13, 1967. He is the son of Thomas “Tom” Najawicz and Nila Stavely Najawicz of Saginaw, Michigan. He is predeceased by both his parents.
Pete attended high school at Nouvel Catholic Central High in Saginaw, Michigan where he enjoyed playing football. He went on to major in Accounting and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. While attending college he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Pete later obtained a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana while maintaining a full time job at Central Dupage Health. He built a career as a Certified Public Accountant and a licensed General Contractor in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Pete is survived by his wife Julie Bartel Najawicz and their two daughters Olivia and Lily, whom he was very proud of in their accomplishments and the women they have become. Also surviving are his brothers Steve (Sue) Najawicz and Tony (Linda) Najawicz, and step mom Phyllis Najawicz.
Pete and Julie pursued a life on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands with their family in the spring of 2004 after Pete accepted a position as the Chief Financial Officer for the Schneider Regional Medical Center. In 2008, Pete was wrongfully charged and later exonerated in 2022 on all charges by the U.S. Virgin Islands government. At the time of his death, he had pending complaints seeking incidental, statutory, and consequential damages over a 16 year period for the hospital’s failure to indemnify him as required by a statute. A bench trial for his exoneration is set for summer 2025.
Arrangements have been made through Turnball’s Funeral Home on St. Thomas. Following cremation a small celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations for unexpected expenses and his youngest, Lily’s college education. Pete was a loving father to his girls and we hope to see his life celebrated in light of the hardships he has endured. A Go Fund Me page has been established. See link below if you would like to donate in honor of Pete and his girls.
