Jan Krol

Jan was born and raised in Wysoka, Poland. He moved to Wrocław where he met his wife Leona Emilia (Pęczek). He then relocated and raised his family in the town of Strzyżów. Jan and his family came to the United States in 1981 where they settled in Linden, New Jersey and lived in South Brunswick for the last 25 years. Jan was a blessing to everyone he knew and was loved for his gentle demeanor and humor. He spent his time lovingly caring for the garden with Leona, working in his garage shop, and most of all enjoying the company of family and friends. He will be missed by all that knew him, and may he rest in peace.

Jan was predeceased by his mother Salomea (Chmiel) Król, his father Józef Król; his brothers Tadeusz, Emil, Czesław, Stanisław; his sisters Eugenia Matłosz, Rozalia Król and his son-in-law Władysław Hajduk.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Leona; his sisters Wiktoria Kwiatkowska and Maria Wyciślak; his children, Mirosława Hajduk, Grzegorz Król and his wife Maria, Beata along with her husband Boguslaw Ruszala; his grandchildren Marcin Hajduk and his wife Beata, Jakub Hajduk and his wife Agata, Radek Hajduk and his wife Monika, Magdalena and her husband Ezekiel Goodwin, Monika and her husband Adam Maust, Michal Krol, Paulina and her husband Adam Rice, Michael Ruszala and Anya Ruszala; his 10 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many extended family members.

A visitation for Jan will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 East Saint George Ave, Linden, NJ 07036. A funeral mass will take place Saturday, July 29, 2023, 10:00 AM at St. Hedwig RC Church, 600 Myrtle St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. A funeral will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, E Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.krowickifuneralhome.com for the Krol family.

Tribute Poem written by Jan's Granddaughter, Anya Ruszala in 2021:

Gentle Footsteps

"You will never see my grandfather in anything else but his button-down striped shirt tucked into long khaki pants with a brown belt going right through the middle. You will also never see him without his work gloves on, his sun cap that he has had for over 15 years, or some kind of gardening or mechanical tool. When he’s not keeping himself busy, he is napping with his favorite black and white cat, Molly, right by his side. With his signature Polish slippers on his feet, propped up on the table. His carefully combed-over grey hair catching the sunlight, that only started to fade a few years ago, even though he is 89.

Then came my grandfather's footsteps entering the kitchen through the doorway. Oh, but you can never hear them, as they are quiet as a mouse and make no patter noises on the hard floor.

Although not on purpose, he always creeps up behind you and laughs when you jump back and get startled.

My grandfather’s footsteps so gentle, reflect his personality and the type of man he is and has been throughout his entire life. His gentle and ever so patient voice sounds like butter rolling off his lips. In all my years, never once have I recalled it being raised.

My grandfather's footsteps marched along in the training camp for the Polish army, clearing the rubble and rebuilding the towns and villages after the war with his worn out, hard-working hands.

He is the one that brought my family over to the United States. He came here alone to work for a year and save up money. He was finally able to bring his wife and three kids to start a brand new life. Filled with opportunities and hope for the generations to come.

Every day when I come home from school I hear his voice question... "jak było?"(How was it?).

My grandfather has a special way with animals. I think his slow movements and gentle footsteps never frighten them, so they feel comfortable around him. Each cat we have ever owned always favored him and went everywhere he did. The chickens that we have in the backyard will jump on top of his lap or shoulder to nestle up against him.

My grandfather has been there for me every step of the way. From picking me up when I fell down from learning how to walk, repairing my broken toys, giving me advice for the world, being a role model, and most importantly, always looking out for me no matter what. I will forever be grateful for the rest of my life and always remember his gentle footsteps."