Franciszek Krzywda Obituary (1917 - 2016)

Visitation Details Monday, August 8th, 2016 4:00pm - 7:00pm, Dracut Funeral Home Tuesday, August 9th, 2016 11:00am, St. Casimir Church Interment Details St. Casimir Cemetery DRACUT, MA - Franciszek (Frank or Uncle Frankie) Krzywda Jr., 99 years old, died, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, August 5, 2016. He was the beloved husband of Stephanie (Gancarz) Krzywda with whom he spent 69 happy and loving years of marriage. Stephanie and Frank met in 1946 after his stint in the US Navy, he living right across the street from her. Born on January 13th, 1917 in Lowell, Frank was a son to the late Franciszek Sr. and Cecylia (Wojcik) Krzywda. He was a member of St. Casimir's Church. Frank received his GED and continued his education at the Bradshaw Business School in Business Administration and took electrical engineering courses in the evening division of Lowell Technological Institute. When asked recently, "what was your most proud accomplishment in your life "without hesitation he proudly stated "my service to my country". Frank served from 1940 to 1946 in the US NAVY during World War II. He served as Chief Boatswain on the USS Denebola, the USS Melvill, and the USS Birgit. He was entitled to wear the American Defense Medal, the American Area Ribbon, the European-African-Middle Eastern Area, Ribbon with the Bronze Star, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Ribbon and Good Conduct Ribbon. He was a member of the National Order of Trench Rats. He was active in the DAV attending reunions up until 2014. He was a longtime member of the Masonic Temple and Aleppo Order, and active in the Veterans of Foreign Affairs, MA Commission of the Blind, Polish American Veterans, many parish committees, and Commander, VFW/Lowell. He retired from the IRS after 22 years as Unit Supervisor. Frank and Stephanie built their first home together in Dracut on a wooded lot near Pelham from a "Do it Yourself" book from Prince's Stationery Store. Frank did all the work except for the chimney, fireplace and electrical work taking two years to completion. He learned to play the organ at age 90. Frank was known for his "gold standard", organic tomatoes sharing his produce with family and friends. His planting technique was pretty fool proof - enrich the soil with ash, dried chicken manure, 10-10-10; spread the roots out to absorb the maximum water; reduce weeds with cardboard and straw around the plants; drip water the plants, and be patient for the fruit to come. He was extremely proud of his Polish heritage. He enjoyed all sports above all his beloved Red Sox and Patriots of note his favorite players Ted Williams and David Ortiz. His time in the service gave him the opportunity to travel the world to places like Ireland, Scotland, Japan, and China to name a few countries. His true passion was to be home with Stephanie, family and friends. Everyone who ever met Frank realized immediately that they were in the presence of a very kind, humble, faith-full, honest and humorous man. Frank's generosity of spirit leaves many good memories for all who knew him. Along with his wife, Stephanie, Uncle Frankie is survived by his nieces Joanne Stukas and her husband Arthur, Sandra Muldoon, Barbara Dunsford and her partner Patrick Healey and Marianne Dunsford also his grandnephew Michael Muldoon and wife Monica. Their children Lauren, Erin and Andrew brought laughter, joy, excitement and song to his home, sharing four generations of the family and love together. Frank leaves dear friends Ricky Duquette, Paul Kazalski and his friends at the Lowell Veterans Clinic especially Bill Barker. Frank was predeceased by his brother Walter Krzywda, step-sister Stephanie Mackey and favorite dogs Tasha and Goldie. ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on MONDAY, August 8th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME, 2159 Lakeview Ave, Dracut. His funeral will be held TUESDAY, August 9th at 10 a.m. in the funeral home, with his Funeral Mass following at 11 a.m. at St. Casimirs Church, 268 Lakeview Avenue, Lowell with burial to follow at Saint Casimirs Cemetery in Pelham, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to St. Caisimirs Improvement Fund, 268 Lakeview Ave., Lowell, MA 01850. For directions, or to leave an online condolence, story, or message, visit www.dracutfuneralhome.com, or find us on Facebook under "Dracut Funeral Home." Service Details Visitation When August 8, 2016 4:00pm - 7:00pm Location Dracut Funeral Home Address