Temple University Athletics
Temple Hall of Famer Joseph "Indian Joe" Nejman Passes Away
7.16.12 | Football, General
Gridiron star was 91 years old
PHILADELPHIA— Joseph "Indian Joe" Nejman, a 1948 graduate of Temple University and an honorable mention All-America quarterback for the Owls' football team, passed away on July 13, 2012. He was 91.
"Indian Joe” was a standout for the Cherry and White on the gridiron, playing the 1942, '46 and '47 seasons. He took a break from school after the '42 season to serve his country as a member of the United States military in WWII. When he returned to Temple, he starred for the Owls his final two seasons, playing in the Blue-Gray Football Classic both years. In his senior year, he served as a team captain and was named the team's Most Valuable Player. He also earned honorable mention All-America honors.
Nejman, a graduate of Frankford High where he helped lead the school to its first football city championship in 1940, returned to Temple to serve as an assistant coach from 1960-65.
Also a member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Nejman served as a teacher for 34 years at Cheltenham High School. He was also a founder of Camp Anglewood.
He is the beloved husband of Henrietta, and father of Dr. Joseph H. Nejman (Michelle), Dr. Grace Nejman (Francisco Quiros) and Joyce Nejman Hill (Chris); and grandfather of Dr. Nancy Fazzinga (Frank), Joseph M. Nejman, John Nejman, Anna Quiros, Sarah Quiros, Michael Hill and Gregory Hill; and great grandfather of Grace and Frances Fazzinga; brother of Earl Wojciechowski.
A memorial service will take place Saturday, July 21 at St. Hilary of Pointers Church (820 Susquehanna Road, Rydal, PA) at 11 a.m. Donations may be made in his memory name to Temple Owl Club (1700 North Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19122), Abington Memorial Hospital (1200 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001) or Cradle of Hope (www.cradleofhope.net).
"Indian Joe” was a standout for the Cherry and White on the gridiron, playing the 1942, '46 and '47 seasons. He took a break from school after the '42 season to serve his country as a member of the United States military in WWII. When he returned to Temple, he starred for the Owls his final two seasons, playing in the Blue-Gray Football Classic both years. In his senior year, he served as a team captain and was named the team's Most Valuable Player. He also earned honorable mention All-America honors.
Nejman, a graduate of Frankford High where he helped lead the school to its first football city championship in 1940, returned to Temple to serve as an assistant coach from 1960-65.
Also a member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Nejman served as a teacher for 34 years at Cheltenham High School. He was also a founder of Camp Anglewood.
He is the beloved husband of Henrietta, and father of Dr. Joseph H. Nejman (Michelle), Dr. Grace Nejman (Francisco Quiros) and Joyce Nejman Hill (Chris); and grandfather of Dr. Nancy Fazzinga (Frank), Joseph M. Nejman, John Nejman, Anna Quiros, Sarah Quiros, Michael Hill and Gregory Hill; and great grandfather of Grace and Frances Fazzinga; brother of Earl Wojciechowski.
A memorial service will take place Saturday, July 21 at St. Hilary of Pointers Church (820 Susquehanna Road, Rydal, PA) at 11 a.m. Donations may be made in his memory name to Temple Owl Club (1700 North Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19122), Abington Memorial Hospital (1200 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001) or Cradle of Hope (www.cradleofhope.net).
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