Mansfield's 'Nudge' Naujalis, WWII Aerial Photographer, Dies at 88

The following is from Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home:

Francis J. “Nudge" Naujalis, age 88, of Mansfield, formerly of Taunton passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Morton Hospital in Taunton. He was the beloved husband of Valerie A. (Knapinski) Naujalis.

Born in South Boston, MA on August 2, 1925, he was a loving son of the late Joseph and Anna (Lakavicius) Naujalis. He grew up in South Boston and Avon, and was a graduate of Avon High School.

During WWII, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps as an Aerial Photographer. He was honorably discharged from duty with the rank of Corporal.

Prior to retiring, Mr. Naujalis had worked for 35 years as an Installer and Repairman at the former New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. in Taunton, and was a member of the Telephone Pioneer’s Club.

A resident of Mansfield for the past 7 years, he had formerly made his home in Taunton for many years. He was communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Mansfield and a former longtime parishioner of Holy Rosary Church in Taunton.

Nudge loved spending time with his family. He and his wife were worldwide travelers and when younger they enjoyed camping trips with their children. His hobbies included photography, listening to music, and reading up on subjects of traveling and history. He also treasured the times spent on beautiful Cape Cod.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his devoted daughters; Michele Divoll and her husband Stephan of North Attleboro and Kathryn Rec and her husband Michael of Long Valley, New Jersey. He was the dear brother of the late Alexander, Alphonse and John Naujalis, Josephine Clifford and Phyllis Naujalis. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren; Matthew Divoll, Andrew Divoll, Christopher Rec, Brigitte Rec and Abigail Rec, and several nieces and nephews.

His funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Thursday, May 8th at 8:00 A.M from the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main St., Mansfield followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated at 9:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt St. (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial with military honors will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at 12:45 P.M.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, May 7th from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home.

Due to the limitation of flowers allowed at the National Cemetery, donation in Francis’s memory may be made to the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation, 100 Park Ave., Suite 108, Rockville, Maryland 20850. www.AAMDS.org

To send the Naujalis family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson,com