Obituary of Gregory L. Krzyston

Gregory Krzyston passed away peacefully at home on August 27, 2016 surrounded by his family. Born January 5, 1943 to Laurence and Winifred Krzyston in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Greg was a gentleman and a scholar who genuinely loved all people. He was proud to call Delhi his home. Greg was an endlessly generous man who surrounded others with love and humor. He brought friendship, dignity and comfort to countless people. With humility, Greg continuously sought ways to help wherever needed, including service on the school board, as a village trustee and senior housing board member, lector at St. Peter's Church, emcee of Delhi's Relay for Life ("Hi Greg!"), visiting professor in Central Asia and Eastern Europe and guest speaker at various events going back to his days at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. As a member of Rotary, Greg loved helping children at Fair on the Square games as they reveled in exchanging their Rotary Bucks, emblazoned with Greg's image, for "valuable" prizes. He continuously advocated for the underdog and brought compassion, common sense and love to everything he did. The patriarch of a large extended family, Pop-pop was adored by his grandchildren, who climbed on him for "bone crusher" hugs and happily shared an enjoyment of his sweet tooth. Greg could often be seen with a smiling grandchild in his arms. He unfailingly supported the youth of his extended family as they grew to adults. Greg initiated an annual weeklong gathering in the Poconos enjoyed by family and friends, which grew to more than seventy people. Everyone looked forward to the week at the lake complete with Greg's games and great conversations. A life long learner, Greg worked in the educational field his entire life. He served in several college administrative positions, including Director of Residence Life at SUNY Delhi and as a college professor, which he enjoyed greatly. Greg was a man of many interests, collecting coins, military patches and stamps and reading extensively with a particular interest in Russian history. His humor, knowledge and curiosity made Greg a wonderful conversationalist, storyteller and an awesome team member for trivia nights. Without fanfare, Greg quietly supported people in need. From college students to colleagues, Greg went out of his way to offer comfort, support and wisdom, helping people through their hardest times. A library was even dedicated to Greg at Kent State University where he served as resident director in the early seventies. Many attribute their success in life to Greg's kindness. Above all, Greg was devoted to his family. Jean, his "favorite wife" of 50 years, was the love of his life. Greg was tremendously proud of his children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to tell them so. He was an amazing role model for his children David (Jodi) Krzyston, Katie (Andy) Kloss and Matthew (Maja) Krzyston and grandchildren Josh, Sarah, Angelo and Nikola Krzyston and Stefan, Elizabeth and Julia Kloss. Greg loved his large family, including his sisters Diane Kress and Marcia Krzyston, in-laws Rosalie Hourigan, Anne Caffrey, Bill Berger, Aunt Wanda Krzyston and his many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. In heaven, Greg joins his granddaughters Amanda Krzyston and Caroline Kloss as well as his mother and his father who passed away on this same day 39 years ago. The family will receive friends from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, August 30 at Hall and Peet Funeral Home, 134 Main Street, Delhi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Wednesday, August 31 at St. Peter's Church in Delhi. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amanda Krzyston Scholarship at Delaware Academy.