Joseph "Jumbo" Secl

DISCLAIMER: This information is published from information obtained from "The Observer" as a public service to our community

Joseph "Jumbo" Secl passed away Sunday, August 17,2003, at Bridge Brook Rehabilitation Center after a long battle with cancer. His best friend and companion Anne B. Lynne of Sarasota, Florida was by his side. Jumbo was born on January 29, 1915 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Vaclav and Frances Suites Secl. He attended Grant High School, graduating in 1933. He had worked at the "Three Minute Oat Company", which later became the National Oat Company, not to be confused with the Quaker Oat Company.

Jumbo joined the Navy November 14, 1934, and was called to sub duty in February of 1935, after applying and passing the test. He shipped off to the Asiatic Sea in 1936, and was away for 6 1/2 years. When he returned in December of 1942 he attended Officers Training School at the Sub Base in Groton/New London. He then headed to the Aleutian Islands. One of the oldest members of the Thames River Chapter, SUBVETS WWII, Jumbo qualified on board the USS S-38 (SS143) in 1938, and was put in the HOLLAND CLUB in 1988. He has been a long time member of USSVI. Jumbo also served on board other boats including SS-32 (ss137), USS CREVALLE (SS 291), SUBDIV 161 Engineering Staff, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Staff, USS SENNET (SS408) and USS NEREUS. When Jumbo qualified he was a MoMM2C, and advanced through the ranks, as a "Mustang" to CDR. He was awarded a Bronze Star medal, Gold Star in lieu of an additional Bronze Star, and was authorized to wear the Combat "V", after helping 3 other shipmates rescue 53 survivors of the British Electra out of the Java Sea.

He was a member of the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, a lifetime member of the VFW post 5849, American Legion post 128 and the Fleet Reserve Association #237. He and Anne enjoyed traveling to Sub Vets conventions all over the US and the UK. Jumbo was well remembered by his heroic feats during his navy career.

He married Beverly Burwell July 25, 1948, who died March 21, 1977. His career took them to many Naval Stations, including San Diego, California, Portsmouth, NH, Pascagoula, MI and finally back to Groton/New London, where he retired in 1959 as a full Commander. He worked for Electric Boat as a Ship Superintendent, until his transfer to "the hill" where he worked in Design. After retiring from EB, he took a job as an inspector in the Water Department in the town of East Lyme, retiring from there after 17 years.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Bill Secl of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Survivors include a younger brother, John Secl of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; his children, David of La Grande, Oregon; Cherylle Secl-Cross of Marne, Michigan; Sharon Hathaway of East Lyme, Connecticut and Billy Secl of Oakdale, Connecticut; nine grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; nieces Ellen Axline and Jodie Reyborn of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mary-Frances Barron of Oran, Missouri and a nephew, John Secl of Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Interment will be at the National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. A memorial service will be held at the American Legion, 10 York Avenue, Niantic, CT, Sunday, September 7, 2003 at 1:30 p.m. The Thomas L Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic, CT is assisting the family.