Joseph Krupa Obituary

Joe was my Pittsburgh Steeler team mate in 1957. I will always remember Joe as a great team mate and a wonderful, humble, sincere man. His memory truly will be eternal.

In 1957, I was a Pittsburgh Steeler team mate of Joe's. He was not only a top notch, tough player, he was a wonderful man. He was humble, caring and I will always remember his smile. Joe's memory truly will be eternal.

To our coach Krupa,
The men of Proviso East football class of 1977 honor your memory and will always be grateful for your guidance. Many of us are in different stages of life but will infinitely remember the grace of a big man equally able to make as strong a point physically or mentally. Showing all of us what it takes to be a man. God bless you.

Joe Krupa was not only a great coach,but a great individual as well. After I graduated from college, I got a job at Harrison Highschool on Marshall Boulevard,in Chicago. That is where I got to meet Joe. He left Harrison, and I didn't know what happened to him. Four years later, I got a job at Proviso East Highschool,I'm walking down the hall after school one day,and I hear someone yell " Hey Ben," I look around, and there was Joe. We both wound up coaching at Proviso East. Joe we're going to miss you. You had a heart of gold. Many students liked you, and you taught me a life lesson of treating each and every student equally. I remember the donuts and the punchky from the bakery, when you would come back to Proviso after you retired. May you have the peace you deserve in heaven.
Ben Kus Proviso East

My deepest sympathy to the Krupa family. Iam so sorry that I got the news of Joe passing away too late.Iwould have come to the wake and funeral. I was Joe' secretary in athletics for 18 years. He was just like family to me. We had some great times at school always laughing and helping each other through each day. He was so generous and kind. He will be missed. Just before I retired he gave me a steeler pin to wear and its still on my jacket. God Bless you Joe for your kindess to all. Gail Anderson

I was a Pittsburgh Steeler teammate of Joe's in my rookie year, 1957. He was not only a tough, intelligent football player, he was a wonderful man. I last saw him at Steeleer training camp, several years ago and he was the same wonderful guy. I will always remember him. His memory will be eternal. God Bless Connie and family. Bill Priatko

My deepest sympathies go out to the Krupa family. I played football for Joe his first two seasons as head coach at Proviso East and you could not ask for a better coach, person, or friend.

My brothers and I all had Mr. Krupa as our all-boys freshman "health" class teacher at Oak Park-River Forest HS. For nearly all of the boys in the class, this was the first time that any adult had spoken with them about sexual matters. The boys came into the class very self-conscious, and many of the wise-alecks in the class were ready to turn the class into an unruly zoo. Then Mr. Krupa walked in on the first day. In about 5 seconds, Mr. Krupa had complete and total command of the class. The boys in the class knew instantly that we were in the presence of a true Alpha Male. There wasn't going to be any messing with this guy. Mr. Krupa was very direct and in-your-face. As adolescents boys, everybody in the class LOVED HIM. Even years later, my brothers and I have marvelled at Mr. Krupa's commanding presence and complete domination of those health classes, and how much as young boys we admired him and found strength in his strength. To the Krupa family boys, I must say, that it really must have been something to have had a male role model like Mr. Krupa in your lives for many years, what a blessing for you! Years after I left OPRF, I had the chance to work for several years in Pittsburgh with several former Pittsburgh Steelers -- what a core of iron those guys had, that you only get from the Mon Valley-type of towns near Pittsburgh. God bless Mr. Krupa and Go Steelers!

My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Joe's family. I was a classmate of Joe's for three years at Weber High School. Everything said about Joe in the previous posts were true even then. A class act and a true Catholic gentleman, as well as a great athlete and coach.

Gene - Green Valley, AZ

I played football with Joe at Purdue University. He was one of the most likable people I have ever known. His great athletic skills were surpassed only by his wonderful human qualities. My deepest sympathy goes to his entire family.
Sincerely,
Roy Evans

My prayers are with the Krupa Family. Mr. Krupa was the best driving instructor at Proviso East. We would pick up his mail at the post office in North Riverside and he would then treat the kids in the car to McDonalds. I will never forget his caring smile and great sense of humor!
Class of 1987

Coach Krupa was my driver's ed teacher at Proviso East back in the 80's. He was such a sweet person. Thanks Coach, I owe my driving skills to you. My thoughts and prayers are with the Krupa family during this difficult time.

I was Coach Krupa's first QB when he became head coach at Proviso East.
He was a great coach. It was an honor to play for him.
My deepest condolences.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Joe was my driving instructor in high school. I think he started taking the bus once I got on the road. He had great humor. My best to Gary and Kim, former co-workers in their loss, and the entire Krupa family.

He will be missed greatly. I hadn't seen him in years, but remember him fondly. Prayers go out to all the family, and my Dear Friend Annette..
He was a Great Man.
Brenda Debelak Thomas

My sincerest sympathy on the passing of your husband Joe

Connie he was a great guy, a loable bear !!

Always remember the good things and times you had with

Joe, treasure them at this time of sorrow.

You and Joe are in our prayers......

Ed Dykla '51 WHS

Joe loved to reminisce about the old days growing up with Chesu, Herman, John, Helen, and myself. We will miss laughing together.

Joe was a great brother, football player, and teacher. I am proud to be his brother.

When I get to heaven Joe, maybe you can teach me how to play football!

Love and prayers,

Steve and Lorr

Joe loved talking about the old days, growing up with his brothers and sister. We enjoyed laughing together and reminiscing. We are going to miss him.

Joe was a great brother, football player, and teacher. I am proud to be his older brother. Joe, you are probably playing football in heaven.

Love and prayers,

Steve and Lorr

I'm so sorry for your loss, I know he was loved greatly by his family. My dear friend Annette always spoke of how wonderful her Daddy O was and what a good friend he was to her. We heard all the great stories and how proud she was of her Dad. I hope you all will fined comfort in his memories.I didn't know Mr. Krupa but Annette painted a pretty wonderful picture for for me. May he rest in peace with our heavenly father.

Dear Annette,
I never had the honor to meet your father. From what I hear, he was an incredible man and outstanding athlete. You were a loving and devoted daughter to your dad. May you find comfort in knowing he's now at peace.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Your friend...

Dear Annette, Sorry for your loss. Janet Clark

Krupa Family..To know your father was an honor, to be coached by him was a life lesson that none of us will ever forget. The "Sugar Bear" was a man who touched every life he came in touch will...He will be missed..God Bless him and all of you!

Annette and Ted,

Our deepest sympathy for your loss. You all are in our prayers.

Uncle Ray and Aunt Marilyn McNamara

Dear Krupa Family,
It is with such sorrow that I read about the passing of Mr. Krupa. He was such a beloved friend of my dad, Ken Panfil. In fact, Mr. Krupa showed up at a crucial time just before my dad passed away, and he offered such comfort...and delicious chocolates. Hearing about Mr. Krupa makes me miss my dad even more. However, I know they will be cheering on the Boilermakers from heaven! Much love to all of you.
Vonni Panfil

There was a powerhouse Pittsburgh Steeler defense tackle who shared family celebrations with us, #75 Joe Krupa Sr. I adored being in his presence. A big man with a big heart. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort knowing he was loved so dearly.

Coach Krupa was also a great gymnastics coach. He used to tell me that although he did not know much about gymnastics, he knew how to pluck a kid out of the air before they crashed. I tested his claim numerous times (and I mean numerous); and he always succeeded, saving me from landing on my head. God Bless you Coach.

A real professional, a real Pro! Though it has been years since I last saw him, I can still here is voice.

May his memory and kind deeds comfort the family.

It was a honor to know you, Joe. You are a legend to live up to.

You will be missed!

God bless Joe. He was the best father,father in law, grandfather, and great grandfather to my family. God needed the best and called Joe home.