Joseph Bacenko, Jr.

Kitty Hawk- On July 1, 2008 Joseph Bacenko, Jr. succumbed to his valiant battle with cancer at home in Kitty Hawk. Joe was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey on January 3, 1950.  He was the son of the late Mary and Joseph Bacenko, Sr., and the brother of the late Mary Bacenko Williams.

Joe attended high School at Freehold Borough in Freehold, New Jersey. Upon graduation he went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Navy from  1969  to 1975.  After his military service and raising two children, Joe worked for many years as a long haul truck driver. Fifteen years ago, he and his soul mate, Marsha, moved to the Outer Banks, and in 2001 realized his dream of owning his own business by establishing Max’s Real Bagels.  Joe will be fondly remembered by locals and visitors alike for his amazing smile and the friendly warmth that he treated everyone to when they entered the restaurant for their favorite bagel specialty.

Left to cherish the memory of Joe Bacenko is his loving wife, Marsha Bacenko of the Kitty Hawk residence; his daughter, Nichole Bacenko and son Joseph Bacenko III, both of California; his sister, Lana Hilton of New York, and niece, Marcy Williams of Pennsylvania; five grandchildren, Dakota Bacenko, Talen Torres, Noah Bacenko, Joseph Bacenko, and Zoe Santos all of California; and a host of extended family members, dear friends, and special customers.

The family will hold a local celebration of Joe’s life at a future date. The family suggests that memorial tributes in Joe’s honor be forwarded to Dare Home Health and Hospice at 109 Exeter Street Manteo, North Carolina 27954.  Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with local arrangements. Condolences to the Bacenko family can be sent to the on-line register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.