Marek Jerzy Krulasik

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. He will be remembered as being incredibly hard working. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Marek was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Marek knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

His parents were Tadeusz and Romana Krulasik. Marek was born and raised in Szczecin, Poland. Even as a youngster, Marek learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Marek was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Marek was raised with two siblings. He had one younger brother and sister, Miroslaw and Jolanta. Marek had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Marek, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Marek's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Marek enjoyed being part of teams, organizations, and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Marek also took part in weight training to build his physical strength alongside his mental strength. When he could, he liked to spend his free time with his friends in the neighborhood going on adventures and enjoying the outdoors together.

In school, Marek loved to read but was not the biggest fan of academics. He graduated from a mechanical high school in Poland in 1974 and enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His preference was to be out exploring the neighborhood and getting into mischief with his friends. He did share a wonderful relationship with his aunt, Ludmila Uznańska (Lusia), who owned hundreds of books that he got to spend time with. He always looked forward to staying with her whenever he had time off from school. They loved to garden and read together. Her home was on a large portion of land in Poland allowing her to have orchards of fruit trees like apples and plums that made for sweet springs and summers.

Marek was sociable, approachable, and always had a beaming smile on his face. He was always so honest in how he approached relationships with his friends and family that they knew that what they saw, was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with groups of friends and loved ones. When Marek spent his time with others, his interactions worked to keep others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and when necessary, challenge them in different ways. Those close to Marek came to expect his high standards of performance. Growing up he was very well liked and was friends with everyone in his tight knit neighborhood. Later in life, he became friends with Carmine, Frank, Roman, Kasia, Renata, Piotr, Mirek and countless others.

An objective and conscientious individual, Marek reveled in the security of his family. On February 22, 1994 Marek exchanged wedding vows with Krystyna Ochman at the The City of New York Office of the City Clerk of Kew Gardens, New York. They officially met in Greenpoint, New York on April 22, 1988. One of Marek’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries (with the help of his wife), and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends. He loved to cook and entertain for his guests. He had the biggest heart.

Marek was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm disposition in their upbringing. Marek would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Marek was blessed with four children, two sons, Norbert and Radoslaw, and two daughters, Lisa and Izabela. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Eric, Rayaan, Sami, and Yasin.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Marek was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Marek was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Marek upheld his standards. He was the President of M&N Services Inc. Of N.Y., a renovation and construction business. He ran M&N Services Inc. Of N.Y. for 24 years, since 1997. Marek was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Marek approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed working on projects and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were coin and antique collecting, wildlife hunting, mushroom hunting, fishing and being out on the water with family and friends. He also loved to play card games and garden in his backyard. Marek was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

In high school, Marek participated in competitive weight lifting. His favorite recreational sports included fishing and hiking in forests. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were boxing, soccer , and the Olympics.

Being generous with his time and energy, Marek liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. In high school, Marek was a member of the SKS. Throughout his later years, Marek was an active member of the coin collectors club in Ridgewood for a handful of years.

A civic-minded person, Marek was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Politically, Marek was a supporter of the Republican Party. During these years, Marek applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Marek's wife Krystyna used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Marek would always say Krystyna had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included going to multiple cities in Florida, fun trips to Las Vegas and especially spending time in the Hamptons with family and friends. He loved being out on the water, spending time on the family yacht and jet skiing.

Marek was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Marek’s favorite dogs was Toro, a mixed German Shepherd that he saved in Poland and who in return also saved Marek's life. Later, his daughter Lisa adopted a dog named Blue Cheese, an American Staffordshire Terrier. Him and Toro were best friends for around 10 years and Blue Cheese for 3 years. He also loved his cat Charlie, a stray kitten that absolutely adored Marek. The members of his family were always expanding with his and his daughter’s love for animals like cats, reptiles, and fish.

Marek passed away on November 25, 2021 at NYC Health + Hospitals / Coney Island. Marek was battling renal failure and passed away when his heart stopped after multiple successful cardiopulmonary resuscitations. He is survived by his children, Norbert, Lisa, Radoslaw and Izabela; his grandchildren, Eric, Rayaan, Sami, and Yasin; his brother Miroslaw and sister Jolanta. Services were held at Werst & LaBella Funeral Home. Marek was cremated and brought back to his home in Glendale, New York.

All who knew him would agree that Marek was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self- improvement. He was always willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish and strive for more in their lives.