Obituary of Joe Krsul
Krsul, Joseph 1931 – 2020
Passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 13, 2020, at the age of 88. Beloved Husband of the late Joan (Nee) Boyle (1988). Dear Brother of Mary (2006), Frank (Carol), George (Margaret) and Katy (Bob). Survived by 8 Nieces and Nephews, Jo Ann, Sue, Tim, Peter, David, Steve, Deana and Steven, as well as many Great Nieces and Nephews. Dear Friend of Anita Murray. Private Burial will take place at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery at Niagara On The Lake. The family would appreciate donations to a charity of ones choice.
FEBRUARY 21, 2020
Hello: I am Joe's brother George. On behalf of the family, I thank you all for coming today! I am going to say a few words about Joe Krsul's life.
REMEMBERING JOE KRSUL (December 4, 1931 - February 13, 2020)
Our brother Joe immigrated from Bribir' Yugoslavia in 1938, at the age of 7, with his sister Mary, who was age 12, mother Paulina and grandfather George, to join their father Frank, who was living in Schumacher, Ontario and working in the Hollinger Gold Mine. His father met him for the first time in Montreal, when they arrived in Canada. He presented Joe with a chocolate Cherry Blossom when Joe saw him for the first time and Joe always remembered their first meeting and used to talk about the chocolate bar that his Dad had given him! Grandfather George passed away in (1947) mother Pauline in (1979) father Frank (1991) and sister Mary in (2006).
His brother Frank, was born in Schumacher in 1939. His mother hated the cold, as it was very different from what they were used to. The family moved again in 1940, to 36 Townline, in Merritton, which was a small farm at about 2.9 acres. George was born in 1941 and sister Katy in 1944. The family worshipped at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in lower Merritton. Joe went to public high school in lower Merritton.
Joe's grandfather George worked at Hayes Steel in lower Merritton and a friend from the Old Country, Kuzma, worked at the stone quarry, in Thorold. They both lived with the family at 36 Townline and helped out with the farm work and other chores. The family had bought a small farm, built a new barn and chicken coop. They had a cow and chickens and grew most of their grapes, other fruits and vegetables.
Dad worked in the paper mills in the area, mostly Provincial Paper and also worked on the farm. Joe worked as an apprentice pipe fitter for a plumbing firm in Thorold and later became a master plumber and gas fitter. Joe married his wife Joan (Boyle), who lived near the farm, on April 30, 1955. They lived in Merritton and Joe found a job at General Motors Foundry in 1963 as a skilled trades hourly piper fitter in the maintenance department and worked his way up in the Foundry Salaried organization to Superintendant of Maintenance and Product Line Manager.
In 1978, Joe, Frank, George and their wives, Joan, Carol and Margaret made a (2) week trip to Yugoslavia, touring the country along the coastline from Dubrovnik to RiJeka. They stopped to visit with friends and relatives and went to visit his home town of Bribir' in Croatia. The family leased a small van and drove up the coastline. Joe enjoyed travelling and had many vacations with family members, including a trip to Greece, Athens, Mykonos and Santorini.
Joe retired from General Motors in 1993. His wife Joan passed away in 1988. Joe continued living by himself in the home that he had shared with his wife, in Niagara-on-the-Lake until his passing. Joe met his close friend Anita in 1995, who he knew for 24 years. They travelled together, he shared his time with her and they helped each other.
Joe was a devout member of Saint Vincent De Paul Roman Catholic Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake and attended Mass services regularly. Joe enjoyed his bi-weekly breakfast excursions with brothers Frank and George and occasionally nephew Steve. He would always insist on picking up the tab for breakfast. We would always debate on who would pay. He would always say, "what am I going to do with my money?" George would reply, "Don't worry, if you don't spend it, the government will take it".
Joe was happiest when he had a good book to read, or a good movie to watch. He was addicted to cross word puzzles. They were always on his kitchen table. When he was younger he travelled with family members and loved to go up north fishing with his family and friends! Joe was a close friend of Maudio and Scotty Girotti, who lived on William Street in upper Merritton.
Joe will be missed by sister Katy, brothers Frank and George, in-laws Carol, Margaret and Bob, his nieces Jo Ann, Sue and Deana, and nehews Tim, Peter, David, Steve and Stephen and his many great nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his close friend Anita.
We will miss you Joe!