Friday, July 8, 2011

We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of our Parish Manager, John Krolikowski. John deeply loved his wife, Shannon, and his four young children, and had just left on the Fourth of July weekend to go with them on their annual vacation to their family homestead in western Pennsylvania. This good and honest man died from a single yellow jacket sting while he was performing an act of charity for his mother. His life was FOR OTHERS, not about himself. He was faith-filled, and could be characterized as being “down to earth,” and knowledgeable in his understanding of God's plan for his life, especially after several close brushes with death. John was a true disciple of Christ and tried hard to follow His teachings as evidenced by his actions. Without question, John has the Faith and Hope of Eternal Life with His Creator. His funeral and burial will be celebrated in his hometown in Pennsylvania this Tuesday. A Memorial Mass for the benefit of parishioners and friends will be held at St. Vincent Ferrer at the convenience of John’s family, after they have returned. Donations in his memory (checks) may be made to the Krolikowski Children Scholarship Fund c/o St. Vincent Ferrer Church.

I first came to know John seventeen years ago, when he was an usher each Sunday at morning Mass at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Boca Raton. His famous smile and welcoming greeting, “How are you today?” seem to win over many visitors to the friendliness of that parish. Then he moved here to Delray Beach and joined in our parish, eventually becoming active as an usher, and then as our first Parish Manager. He helped us organize, for the first time in our parish history, a good Knights of Columbus council (#13996), and served it faithfully as an officer, being elected most recently to the post of Council Treasurer. He was also a 4th Degree Knight of Assembly #2003.

John was a good steward in parish management and his personal life. He took very seriously his responsibility to help rebuild the trust that was lost through actions prior to his assuming his position. His generosity knew no limits. Very involved in the total life of the parish, he spent many “after-hours” in the parish office organizing events and activities, attending countless meetings and doing all that was necessary to keep the parish moving forward, even at the personal expense of time, money and energy. He was as dedicated to his parish as to his family, being a model of good stewardship in so many areas. John was an example of a man who was spiritually “grounded.” His life was a "corporal work of mercy" as he gave of himself for the benefit of others. He did it all with a smile and often a hearty laugh, and never expected to be thanked. He is loved by and will be missed by his family, co-workers, and the clergy who trusted him to protect the parish from any semblance of wrongdoing.

Let’s continue to pray for him, his wife, Shannon and their four children. May John rest in peace!


Very Rev. Canon Tom