John W. Krukiel, a lifelong resident of Rockland, Massachusetts, passed away on February 27th, 2026 at South Shore hospital. He was surrounded and cared for by his family in the months leading up to his passing. He was born in Brockton, Massachusetts in 1939 to the late John and Rose Krukiel.
A 1957 graduate from Rockland High School, John was a letterman in track and field. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the military and served in the Navy for six years. He was an active-duty service for a total of two years, where he toured the Caribbean and South America. He then worked in the reserves for four years. After completing his service, John began work at Walsh Sheet Metal in Brockton, Massachusetts, for a total of 21 years. John worked as a self-employed carpenter after his retirement, where he helped friends, family, and his community with various projects.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Caroline Monti Krukiel, as well as four children— Linda Lotterhand of Norwell, Peter Krukiel of Plymouth, David Krukiel of Plymouth, and John Krukiel of Plymouth, as well as their spouses. He is also survived by five grandchildren— Ashley, Devin, John, Matthew, and Anthony— as well as one great-grandchild Theo.
John’s favorite hobbies included hunting, fishing, woodcraft and tinkering, as well as gardening. He enjoyed spending time in a self-built cabin upon a property in Maine, which he made frequent trips to. He also owned and tended to a sizable garden where he cultivated beans, blueberries, cucumbers, and tomatoes. He took great pride in the craftsmanship of its enclosure and often gifted excess produce to family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his sister Genevieve, and is also a brother to the late Jenny and Wanda. Though he has passed on, his memory persists in the various nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends which he leaves behind.
There will be a mass held for John at the Holy Family Church in Rockland, Massachusetts. Service will begin on March 14th at 9:00 AM. This service will be followed by a celebration of life at Rockland Golf Course in Rockland, Massachusetts, beginning at 10:15 AM. Burial will be held privately at a later date.

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