Robert James Kryszak

Bob Kryszak, 71 set off on his final fishing voyage August 6, 2024 following a courageous battle with metastatic cancer.

Bob, the oldest of two sons, was born on September 17, 1952 in New Britain to Joseph and Margaret Kryszak, attended local schools and then joined the US Navy which included serving in Vietnam aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43).

Bob was a skilled, experienced life-long truck driver who loved the freedom of the open road and logged well over a million miles without a single violation.

He leaves behind his brother James of Southington. He also leaves behind his children Kelly Wieczorek (Jay), his grand-children Brady and Lilly of Plainville, his son Michael of Texas, along with several nieces, cousins and friends.

Bob especially cherished his niece, Kimberly with whom he always had a very special bond and loved as he would his own daughter.

Bob adored his cousins, Diane and Bill Scibek.  Diane is the sister Bob never had and both cared for him deeply.

Bob was an avid fisherman and would think nothing of rising at 3:00 AM, loading his kayak and head for the many different lakes and ponds around Connecticut.  Bob would never keep the fish he caught.  He would simply enjoy their beauty and then carefully return them to the water.

Bob loved all animals, especially dogs who would be instantly attracted to him and as such, was referred to as “Dr. Doolittle” by his brother Jim.

Bob had an amazing sense of humor (inherited from our mom) and continued to joke, even during his final days.

He also loved all kinds of wood working, tinkering in his workshop, was a DYI plumber and relished spending time at the gun range with his brother to, as he would say, “make some noise”.

He was a member of the New Britain Hunting and Fishing Club and The New Britain Quartette Club.

The family wishes to thank all his caregivers at The Pines at Bristol, especially Kendra who always brought immense joy to Bob the moment she’d walk in, light up his room with her infectious smile and lovingly shout out “How’s my Papa today?”

Bob was predeceased by his wife of eight years, Kathleen Kilduff.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name can be made to Tunnels to Towers, a foundation that Bob supported and believed in for fellow veterans. Tunnels to Towers

Friends are invited and welcome to attend a graveside celebration of Bob’s life (casual dress, please) followed by burial with full military honors at St. Joseph Cemetery, 151 Farmington Ave. Plainville on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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