Mathew "Hap" James Krawczyk

Mathew James passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a long illness in Rockport, Maine. He was born in Buffalo, NY on November 3rd, 1944. He grew up in Kenmore, NY the son of Mathew Krawczyk and Dorothy Krawczyk (Guszkowski). After finishing school at Cardinal Dougherty High School he joined the US Navy in 1963 where he served our country for 22 years. He traveled to many countries and served in the Vietnam war. He retired as a Master Chief from Brunswick Naval Air Station in 1985.

After retiring from the Navy he began his 15 year career at LL Bean working third shift at the Flagship store in Freeport, Maine. His love of nature and this beautiful state served him well there. He loved the outdoors, was an avid reader, loved camping and climbed Mt. Katahdin in his younger days. He spent time in the Rangeley area canoeing and camping with his family. After his retirement from LL Bean, he moved to Gardiner, Maine where he lived with family spending time with his daughters and grandchildren.

He was an active volunteer. He volunteered at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, Maine. He loved wolves and did what he could to help them by volunteering at the North East Wolf Center. He was active with the Red Cross as a volunteer with their disaster relief program. He spent time in the south after Hurricane Katrina, and other storms, serving others in their time of need. Helping people truly brought joy to his life.

While serving with the Red Cross he moved to Alabama where he lived near his sister and brother-in-law. (Jerry and Pat Brady). He lived there for several years enjoying the mild winters. Then an opportunity arose to live on Patrick Air Force Base near Cocoa Beach, Florida. He made his home on the base for 13 years, a place he loved and felt at home. It’s no surprise he came full circle and lived the remainder of his life in a military community. He made several friends and enjoyed the warm weather. He enjoyed lots of visits with family exploring the area, and especially enjoyed visiting the Kennedy Space Center. In October of 2021 his service in the military was celebrated with an Honor Flight to Washington, DC.

He brought his children on canoe and camping trips, and loved to spend time with his daughters. He adored his grandchildren, spending time with them whenever he could. He was thoughtful in ways most people aren’t. He listened carefully, taking the time to put meaning into small gifts that showed how much he cared. Family was his top priority and the way he loved was truly unconditional.

He is survived by his two daughters Jennifer Christie and Laura Krawczyk. His four grandchildren Rachel Krawczyk-Gatas, Jacob Meunier, Jack Martin and Luke Martin. His sister Patricia Brady and brother-in-law Jerry Brady. His nieces Linnea Keen and Kirsten Brady. His son-in-law Chris Christie.

A burial with military honors will take place on Thursday, October 19th at noon at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Ave. Augusta, Maine. Followed by a small gathering at the Cushnoc Brewing tasting room on the Kennebec River on Water Street in Augusta from 1 to 3 PM.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Honor Flight Maine or the USO on behalf of Mathew Krawczyk.

https://www.uso.org/

https://www.honorflightmaine.org