John A. Krol

John A. Krol, 61, of Van Wert, died at 2:59 a.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2015, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born March 8, 1954, in Monroe, Michigan, the son of Alfons and Dolores (Matras) Krol, who both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, David A. Krol.

John is survived by three brothers, Charles J. Krol of Vallejo, California, Mathew J. Krol of Chicago, Illinois, and Christopher M. (Gina) Krol of Burlington, Vermont; seven nieces and nephews, Lisa M. (Ron) Schomaeker of Payne, Jason J. (Niki) Krol of Decatur, Indiana, Joshua J. Krol of Vacaville, California, Emily A. Krol, Adam M. Krol, and Jeremy P. Krol, all of Burlington, and Paul D. Krol of Columbus; and four grandnieces, Bailey Krol of Van Wert, Macee and Dodger Krol of Decatur, and Shayla Shomaeker of Payne. He was a nephew of the late John Cardinal Krol, archbishop of Philadelphia (1961-1988).

John earned a degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. Early in his career, he worked as a department manager, assistant store manager, and general sales manager for T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Foleys department stores. He worked over 20 years in corporate travel for Thomas Cook and then American Express as the onsite representative for Ernst & Young. During his career, he made lifelong friends in Providence, Boston, San Francisco, and San Antonio.

John was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert. He was a Eucharistic minister in church and at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert. He was a member of the Pastoral Council, a past member of the Parish Life Committee, and an active Parish Grounds Committee volunteer.

John was a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered regularly at the bingo concessions stand. He was a member of the Purse Bingo Organizing Committee to benefit St. Mary’s School. He also volunteered at the Community Food Pantry and Van Wert County Historical Society.

John was a gentle soul who deeply valued his personal relationships and followed his calling to humbly serve others.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 9, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Father Stan Szybka officiating.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 2-6 p.m. Friday, January 8, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 6 that evening.

Preferred memorials: Community Health Professionals-Hospice in Van Wert, 1159 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, OH 45891.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bricknerfuneralhome.com or emailed to bricknerfuneralhome@bright.net.