Mitchell Joseph Karlowicz, Capt. USN (Ret)

Captain Mitchell Joseph Karlowicz USN, Retired, 96, passed away on February 27, 2021, in Falls Church, VA. He was born on March 22, 1924, to Jan (aka John) and Janina Karlowicz and raised in Chicago, IL, along with seven siblings. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Virginia, and son-in-law Barry Zaslav. He is survived by his children Mitchell Gary Karlowicz (Karen), Debra Marie Zaslav, and Lisa Karlowicz Halsted (Stephen), and grandchildren Lauren Zaslav, Michelle, Christine, and Stephanie Halsted. He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Kolimas and Janet Magiera.

Captain Karlowicz USN, Retired, was a June 1946 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy (Class of 1947). This was the beginning of a long and impressive naval career. He attended Command and Staff College, Quantico, VA, the National War College, Washington, D.C., and received a Master of Science Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University, Washington, D.C (1971). He served on staff and faculty at a multitude of institutions, including the U.S. Naval Academy as an instructor of Russian; General Line and Naval Science School, Monterey, CA as an ASW and Tactics Instructor; US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KA. Additionally, he served as a Strategic Planner in the Objectives Plans and Military Assistance Division, Plans and Policy Directorate of the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Captain Karlowicz USN, Retired, served as the Commanding Officer of five naval ships and served as Commodore for Amphibious Squadron 8. He was awarded the following service medals: American Defense Service; China Service, World War II Victory; Occupation Service (European and Asian Clasps); National Defense Service; Armed Forces Expeditionary; Army Commendation; Vietnam Service; Republic of Vietnam Campaign; Meritorious Service; and Bronze Star. Following his military retirement, he became an Associate in the Refining Department of the American Petroleum Institute.

Funeral services will be held at a later date to coincide with interment at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions to honor Captain Mitchell J. Karlowicz USN, Retired, may be made to Navy-Marine Relief at: www.nmcrs.org/donate.