Frank F. Krupa, of Warren, PA., died peacefully with his son at his side, on Monday, May 29, 2023, in Lebanon, N.H. Born November 8, 1929, to Joseph and Helen Gritzer Krupa in Johnstown Pennsylvania, Frank had an interesting childhood which he would tell us about often.
He graduated from Johnstown High School in 1948 and was employed by Bethlehem Steel until he wanted to enlist and serve his country during the Korean War. In 1949 he completed his training as an Aviation Electronics Technician for the U.S. Navy. Between 1949 and 1953 when he was honorably discharged, he worked on an aircraft carriers and repaired radios on planes.
During that time, he traveled the world and returned with interesting stories of the beautiful places he saw and the tragedy that unfolded as the result of war.
After the war, he attended California University of Pennsylvania. It was during that time that he met Anna, his wife, and completed his studies to become a teacher. He married Anna on August 2, 1958, at St. Joseph Church, Roscoe, PA, then moved to Warren, PA, and started his teaching career at the Warren Area County School District, teaching at the former Beaty Junior High School, grades 7-9 as an industrial arts teacher and shop teacher. Every day of his 33-year career he wore a suit and tie to school. Both the teachers and students well-liked him. Thousands of students learned from him while residing in Warren. At some point, he even taught some former students’ children.
One of Frank’s favorite pastimes was fishing. During the summers, he spent his time fishing at both Chapman Dam and Kinzua Dam with his children and then later on with his grandchildren. He’d loved wearing his fishing gear and teaching the craft to another generation while just looking out at the water. He also loved growing fruit trees, blueberries, grapes, and tomatoes. He enjoyed going outside and picking some fresh fruit to share.
Frank was an avid reader who loved to delve into novels and then discuss them with family. He also was interested in building model planes. Many days you would find him watching a classic western on TV. which were his favorites. He loved all his family and enjoyed visiting or talking to them as often as possible. During his lifetime he was a member of Holy Redeemer R.C. Church in Warren.
He is survived by his 2 children – Karen Glas and husband, Richard, of Waxhaw NC, and Brian Krupa of West Dover VT, Edward and Jean Krupa, Johnstown, PA; Eugene and Ethel of St. Michael, PA; Patricia, Bob Alvarez, Sumter, SC and Mike Krupa of Johnstown. He has 3 grandchildren -– Dr. Jessica Boben and her husband Ken Boben of Monroe, NC, David Glas of Durham NC, and Sarah Glas of Chapel Hill, NC. He also has two great-grandchildren Kenny Boben and Finn Boben.
In addition to his parents Joseph and Helen (Gritzer) Krupa, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anna D. Litavec Krupa Joseph Krupa, Stepmother, Anna, John Krupa, and Mary Ritchey.
Friends will be received at Holy Redeemer Church Gathering Space, 11 Russell Street, Warren, PA., from am on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial with the Fr. Stephen Schreiber, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Holy Redeemer Church Building Center Fund. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
My condolences to Frank’s family. I remember him always as a kind, caring, true genleman.
I never heard him complain or saw him angry. He was an asset to Beaty’s staff and a respected colleague.
I remember Mr Krupa at Beaty- He was a wonderful man. I was a teacher, too and we talked a lot about life.-
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Krupa. He was one teacher who I always liked – respected for his dedication to teaching and I always enjoyed his metal shop classes.
I was interested in metal fabricating and Mr Krupa always gave me great instructions.
He dressed formally everyday with a suit and tie then a work apron in the shop.
My parents still use the metal dust pan at their home in Warren and I must have made a dozen others for my extended family.
Brian and I always seem to end up on the same Warren Little League team of A & B heating.
He was a teacher that made a lasting positive impression on me that I cherish 40 plus years later.
One of my sons is at college in Hanover,NH and that is a beautiful area to retire.
I can’t call him Frank – Mr. Krupa was a very good man
I can thank Mr. Krupa for introducing me to me to the field of engineering, through his introductory drafting class in Beaty. I remember how thrilled he was when I told him I was looking to take the next steps in my drafting career. I always envy teachers for the world-shaping impacts they can have in people’s lives.
Rest in peace.
Frank was a dedicated parishioner at Holy Redeemer as was Anne. May he rest in peace and have joy in their reuniting!
“When I am told to write something a specified number of times, dittos are not acceptable. I will pay attention in class.” Mr Krupa was a good guy and he helped me get this message burned into my consciousness. I’m certain that I’ll never forget it. It will give us something to laugh about in Heaven.
RIP Uncle Frank. Your phone calls to check on your sister Patricia, my mother, were always enjoyable and we loved hearing the old family stories.