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Thomas Krempasky Obituary
Born May 23, 1941 in Scranton to the late John Krempasky and late Mary Mihalik Krempasky, he was a 1959 graduate of Blakely High School. While attending West Texas State University, he was named three-time All Texas Defensive Back playing for Coach Joe Kerbel. In 1967, he was a free agent for the Detroit Lions, then returned to West Texas to complete his Bachelor's Degree in English.
In 1968, Tom began what would become a legendary career as a football coach, teacher and class advisor at Blakely High School followed by Valley View High School. For the next four decades, Tom's love for and dedication to his profession was unparalleled. Over 7,000 students and 600 young men had the privilege of calling him Mr. Krempasky, Coach and "T.K.". From 2006 through 2012, he continued to share his passion for football with players at Mid Valley High School.
Dedicated to his faith, Tom was a devoted husband, inspiring father and loving grandfather. We will all miss seeing him zipping around in his green Subaru and walking through the streets Peckville with his "grand dogs".
Also surviving are his sons, Thomas Jr. (Laura Turlip), Archbald; and Christian Krempasky, Jessup; Robert Lantka II, Scranton; daughters, Noelle Krempasky, Peckville; and Nicole Krempasky (Ricardo Horn), Peckville; granddaughters, Ava Krempasky and Clara Horn; sister-in-law, Sue Krempasky, Staten Island; brother-in-law, Frank Navitch, Montoursville; nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was also preceded in death by brothers, John, Joseph, George, Bernard and Robert; and sisters, Mary Semkew and Dorothy Navitch.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Wayne Weston and Traditional Home Health and Hospice, especially nurses Michaelina, Ellen and Debbie for their loving and compassionate care.
The funeral will be Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Peckville. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church Hall. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Margotta Funeral Homes. To share photos or online condolences, visit the funeral home's website.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Rd., South Abington Township; and Traditional Home Health Hospice, 113 West Drinker St., Dunmore.
Go Buffs!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Krempasky
Diane Zyats
October 12, 2025
TK was my favorite teacher - intelligent, fair to all students, unbiased. I appreciated hihigh standards and integrity.
ceil & robert drake
November 18, 2019
Such a nice person ,Gone way to soon.
Fraser Donlan
November 18, 2019
Few men walk through life and make such a positive impact on so many people. Mr Thomas Robert Francis Krempasky was one of these men, a teacher, a coach, a mentor, an advisor but most of all your friend. Im thankful that I was able to walk in his shadow, all the people you touched miss you. Thank you for being here for us !
December 2, 2014
Dear Renee: you and I go back a long way and I am sorry for the loss of your beloved Tom. I was not in the area and just learned of his passing. Please know that you are in my heart and I wish you peace in the days ahead. God bless you and your family and may He hold you in the palm of His hands to help you get through this.
Love to you, Pat Munley-Cerda
Thom Marshall
December 1, 2014
What a lot of wonderful memories. Thanks, Tom.
Kimberly Austin -Dench
November 30, 2014
I am so terribly sorry to hear of your loss . My prayers are with your entire family .
Nordi & Joan Gambini
November 29, 2014
So sorry for your loss. We will miss TK walking past our house with his dog and always stopping to talk. He was a wonderful man. RIP and may God Bless your family.
bill uzzolino
November 26, 2014
If anyone wanted to know what exemplified the Kerbel era at West Texas State all they would have to do is to look at Tom ( old man ) Krempasky. Tough, dedicated, always learning, and a loyal team mate. He will be missed but always remembered by the Buff Nation. We all say " so long friend "
Joe Pivovarnik
November 26, 2014
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies
Hilary Tratthen
November 26, 2014
RIP Mr. Tom, as my boys would call him. A kind gentle soul, may you fly high with the angels.
Mark Brokenshire
November 26, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Krempasky family. He taught us all so much. RIP Sir
November 26, 2014
so sorry to the krempasky family..its been many years since I talked to tk...rich manchak...BHS..59...
Cynthia Ladomirak-Wheeler
November 25, 2014
May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time. He truly was a great man!!
Rest in Peace T.K.
John Cheplick
November 25, 2014
Thank You Coach for the assistance, encouragement, and support you provided me in my younger years. I was blessed to have you in my high school life. I truly was blessed. Thank you.
Phyllis Gravine
November 25, 2014
My prayers are with you and your family. You were a great teacher, coach and mentor. You touched so many lives. May God keep you in his loving arms.
Bill Walsh
November 25, 2014
Deepest condolences to the entire Krempasky family. TK was a superb coach and a better man. In today's world, that is saying a great deal. He will be sorely missed by his many students, players, friends and family.
RIP, TK.
November 25, 2014
So sorry Joe and I will be unable to attend the wake for TK. Please accept our condolences on a life gone too soon. Our best to your family. God Bless you all. Find strength in your happy family memories. Joe and Marita Paparelli
o
November 25, 2014
My sincere condolences to TK's family. He was a student of the game of football and a true gentleman. It was always a pleasure and a football lesson when talking to him.
Bernie Lazevnick
Former coach
November 25, 2014
A COACH'S REWARD
A coach knocked at the pearly gates,
His face was scared and cold.
He stood before the man of fate
For admission to the fold.
What have you done Saint Peter asked
To gain admission here?
I've been a football coach Sir, he said,
For many and many a year.
The pearly gets swung open wide
As Saint Peter touched the bell.
Come in, he said,
And choose your harp,
You've had your share of Hell!
Amanda Lenny
November 25, 2014
T.K. always had a smile on his face as he walked down the halls. If it looked like you were having a rough day he would always have the kindest words to help you through whatever you were going through. I became speechless when I found out he knew my father's side of my family. At graduation in 2003 as I was ready to walk to my seat (I'll never forget it) here comes miss Lenny. The daughter of Roger and niece of Fred. I'm still in shock he has passed. May we all take a deep breath and reflect on how lucky we are knowing we had t.k. in our lives. May God bless the whole family
November 25, 2014
Our heartfelt condolences to the family of TK, our long time friend. It was always a pleasure being in his company. The "Blakely Bear Family" has truly lost one of it's finest.
Ervin & Beverly Brong
Robin Harvey-Chase
November 25, 2014
So sorry for your loss. I, like many others are forever grateful for having such a wonderful teacher touch our lives as did "TK". Heaven has certainly gained another angel. May God comfort your family in this time of loss.
Sherry Jenkins
November 25, 2014
I loved Mr. Kempasky as my teacher and he was such a big influence in my life and many others! I always remember him driving past my parents house and waving every morning! Will miss him dearly. Prayers go out to your family. RIP TK <3
A Smith
November 25, 2014
rip, a great football player when at West Texas State now West Texas A&M, played a good D1 team with a very tough and colorful Coach. Thats for making West Texas a better place.
Arlene Balog-Miller
November 25, 2014
I never knew "TK" personally, but I grew up across the street (Walnut St Peckville) from him and his sister Mrs Semkew and next door to one of his best friends and Blakely team mates, Tommy Evans. I was a lot younger than both of them, but even as a young girl, who could help not having a "crush" on 2 Blakely Bears! Mr.Krempasky will long be remembered for his coaching along side, "Papa" Bear Henzes and Coach Pazzaglia. He was part of the history of the Legend that was the undefeated Blakely Bears, coach at Valley View and Mid Valley High School. He will always be remembered for his knowledge, spirit, and loyalty. My sincere sympathy is extended to his family and my prayers will be with them.
Lindsey Badoud
November 24, 2014
Mr. Krempasky was one of my favorite teachers, and he was because he made every student feel like they were his favorite too. Not only was he a wonderful teacher, he was a great and well respected man. The world is a better place because he was a part if it. May he rest in peace, and his family find comfort in this loss. God Bless.
Alvin & Cindy Browning
November 24, 2014
May The Lord, Keep You, in His Loving Arms, and Bless You All, During Your Time Greif. Tom, was a True Leader, Educator,and Friend. His Gifts to me were Perseverance, a Love Of History, and Love of Knowledge. Tom, was a Very, Special part of my Life. And what he shared with me, I have gifted forward to my own children. It is said, that Respect is Earned, and Honor is Given. Mr. Thomas Robert Krempasky, had my Honor. TK,was True Life Worrier, and True Winner. We Will Miss Him Deeply. Lord Bless
November 24, 2014
HE WAS A MAN OF HIS WORDS. HE ALWAYS WILL REMEMBERED IN THE COMMUNITY. FORMER STUDENT
Tiffany Fagnani
November 24, 2014
My condolences to the family. Mr. Krempasky displayed such care and concern for his students. He will be missed.
Tim Calachino
November 24, 2014
There are few people in this world whose words leave a lasting impression, Mr . Krempaskys' were one of them. My deepest condolences to all the family and friends during this time off loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dominic Strada
November 24, 2014
The Cougar community and individuals like myself are better off because of the contributions of my coach, teacher, and mentor. Coach's spirit will forever fill our hearts. Celebrate the joy, cherish the memories, and be thankful that he touched your life.
Patricia Vinciguerra
November 24, 2014
My Deepest Sympathy on the loss of a wonderful man, who I had the opportunity to work with at Valley View School District. My Deepest Sympathy to the family.
Michele Vinciguerra-Daley
November 24, 2014
A very special, mentor and teacher. Deepest Sympathy to the family.
Suzanne Thompson Baker
November 24, 2014
Dear Renee, You know you all are in my prayers. I lost a wonderful, caring, childhood, life long friend but you lost so much more. Sincerely, Sue
Diane Lubniewski
November 24, 2014
My condolences to the family, you have lost a very good man.
I remember him as on of the best teachers I ever had. He taught us to think. He will be greatly missed
Jim Rogan
November 24, 2014
TK will remain in our hearts forever. Condolences to his family. Will never forget his promise if we gave him ten good sprints practice was over. It may have happened once.
Jim Rogan
J Lucas
November 24, 2014
Prayers to the entire family. Mr. Kempasky was an inspirational man and great teacher. He will be missed.
November 24, 2014
Coach I will always remember you you gave me the name get back coach and I was the first get back coach in high school football And I know you will be looking down at me and saying I am at peace now
Fr Ron Hughes
November 24, 2014
Marina and family,
My sincere sympathy at the death of Tom. Tom was a great man educator athlete coach and deeply religious.
I was always impressed with his dedication to his family, his coavhing, his teaching and his church Tom was and role model to follow for many and kid or adult. Tom will truely be misse
Let your faith and memories console us
May Tom's soul and all the souls of the faith' departed rest in peace.
I am sorry I will be unable to attend the funeral. I live now in Wilkes Barre and am unable to drive
I will offer a Mas for Tom and for you
God's Peace and Blessings,
Fr . Ron Hughes
susey mccolligan
November 24, 2014
Such a sad loss. He was a great person. Prayers and thoughts for the families and friends. You will be sadly missed.
Cheryl Serniak-Dubas
November 24, 2014
I would like to extend my sympathy to the entire Krempasky family for your loss. I knew TK from school and sleigh riding on Prospect Hill when we were pre-teens. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Eleanor Ghilardi
November 24, 2014
Very sorry for your loss!
Dave Krishanda
November 24, 2014
TK belongs in the company of all the legendary coaches whose monuments rest outside Henzes Stadium. His emphasis on education, character and excellence impacted all of us in his classroom and on the football field. He will be deeply missed. My prayers to his entire family.
Ernie Cavagnaro
November 24, 2014
A great man and mentor.
November 24, 2014
TK you are one of the two most influential males in my life. You were an awesome man that was dedicated to all that you did. My heartfelt condolences to your family and a big thank you for all that you did with kids throughout your career. Love always,
Joe "Bass" Baciotti
Robert & Ceil Drake
November 24, 2014
With heavy hearts,my husband and I want to let you all know how very sorry we are to hear about coach passing away.He truly was a very nice and funny person.We'll miss him.May he rest in peace.So long coach till we meet again.Have a blast coaching in heaven.
November 24, 2014
On behalf of our whole staff, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Your friends at Traditional Hospice
Kamora Family
November 24, 2014
Wonderful man! I Will miss seeing him walking the dog everyday. Your family remains in my prayers. God bless.
Fraser Donlan
November 24, 2014
We were all blessed in having known Mr. Krempasky, he will truly be missed by us all. Thank you coach for being my Counselor and friend!
Bill McAndrew
November 24, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Your entire family has been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. May the memories of your Father give you the strength to go forward while always keeping him in your heart. Praying God will grant you comfort and peace today, tomorrow, and forever.
John Lasewicz
November 24, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and
your family today Coach. You will always be remembered by the boys (teams) you coached. My son said "I wouldn't be the man I am today
if it weren't for people like Coach "TK" helping us along the way". We trully missed him when he retired but will never forget all the wonderful memories we had. All the tears you have today will be happy memories and smiles in days to come I can promise you this. He will never be forgotten. God Bless you all, and lots of love, Chrissy Lasewicz, "Big John" #77, and Danielle
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