Richard A. Krzysztofiak

Richard A Krzysztofiak—a man of extraordinary strength, resilience, and spirit—passed away on January 13, 2026, at the age of 95. Born in the Wołyń region of eastern Poland on October 11, 1930, he came of age amid war and upheaval. Those early years shaped his enduring toughness and a steady belief that there is always a way through. Fiercely independent throughout his life, Richard often said he planned to live to 120—and he could captivate a room with the remarkable stories he carried.
A survivor of World War II, Richard endured profound hardship as a child, including the forced relocation of his family to Siberia and separation from his parents. He later served as a young ward of the First Automotive Regiment. In 1946, he escaped Russian-controlled Ukraine to reunite with family in Poland, not knowing whether anyone had survived. His harrowing flight—clinging to the underside of a coal train—became one of many stories that reflected his sharp mind, courage, and determination.

Richard immigrated to the northeast coast of the United States in 1960 to be reunited with family members that had made their way to the U.S. after the war. Richard made Chicago, Illinois his home. Trained in electrical work in Poland, he built a lifelong career as an electrician and electrical technician. He took pride in hands-on problem-solving—wiring, rebuilding, troubleshooting, and designing electrical systems. Even after early retirement, he continued with his own electrical business and stayed active to the end.

In the Polish community, Richard was known as charming, generous, and dependable—the friend who showed up and helped. He enjoyed music, travel, friendships, and dancing, and he embraced life on his own terms. Returning to Poland for family reunions became an important part of his later years.

He is survived by his son, Mark (Dana), along with many relatives and friends whose lives he touched. Richard's life remains a lasting lesson in perseverance, independence, and survival.

A funeral Mass celebrating Richard's life will be held on January 30 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Thomas Becket Catholic Church, 1321 N Burning Bush Ln, Mt. Prospect. Burial will follow at a later date at Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield, Connecticut.