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William Krajcirik Obituary
Dr. William J. "Billy" Krajcirik Jr., 69, of New Orleans, LA, a native of Lansford, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025, in the University Medical Center in New Orleans.
Born in Coaldale, he was the son of the late William J. Sr. and Masha (Sweetak) Krajcirik.
He was a 1973 graduate of Marian Catholic High School and then graduated from DeSales University, where he received his Bachelor's Degree. He went on to attend Medical School at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1981 and completed his Residency at Beth Israel Medical Center, N.Y., in 1984.
Dr. Billy was an Anesthesiologist, having worked for various hospitals in Louisiana during his career, most recently having worked at LCMC Health-East Jefferson General Hospital in New Orleans.
Becoming a doctor and practicing anesthesiology was something Billy took great pride in. He gained his strong work ethic from his Coal Region upbringing, another thing he felt very proud of.
Billy readily put his skills to work at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, when he was temporarily relocated back to the area due to Hurricane Katrina. Up until his final month of life, Billy was still a practicing anesthesiologist, always promising he was going to "retire soon" but never being able to give up his love for medicine and helping others.
Although Billy had not lived in Lansford for decades, he and his husband, Ed, never missed his annual Fall visit to his hometown. He beamed with pride whenever he talked about his late parents and the place he grew up. He was grateful to have many cousins and friends still in the area and he always made the time to see them every October.
He would make other trips back to the Coal Region for any special occasion in the family. Being a member of the Krajcirik and Sweetak families was something that meant that world to him. He never let the distance hinder the family relationships that were so dear to him. Billy never met a stranger, and his ability to connect with people left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. His presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Surviving are his companion of 45 years and husband of 10 years, J. Edward Athay of New Orleans; many cousins, extended family and friends.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Roberta Anita Krajcirik, who passed away in 2017.
Service: Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, 462 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill. Interment, St. Michael's Cemetery, Summit Hill. Call 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Parambo Funeral Home, 54 W. Fell St., Summit Hill, and 10-11 a.m. Monday in the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Bill's name may be made to the church. Online condolences may be shared at www.parambofh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Krajcirik
Sponsored by Thomas J. Parambo Funeral Home - Summit Hill.
JAN D GULDEN D M D
April 17, 2025
THANK YOU FOR BEING AN ANITHEOLOGIST
Linda Balliet
March 26, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I grew up with Billy and graduated high school with him. He and his family were wonderful people! I can´t tell you how shocked I was to hear of his passing. RIP Billy!
James David, MD
March 20, 2025
Whenever I ran into Dr. Krajcirik before operating, he was a ray of sunshine. When he asked me how my day was going, I could tell his questions weren´t just pleasantries, but rather that he genuinely cared about everyone he encountered. On my difficult days, his kindness brought my spirits up. It was clear to me, despite fairly limited interactions with him, that he was a special kind of person. His passing is a great loss to the community he served and to everyone he passed by. My greatest condolences to his family including his husband.
Alphonse
March 18, 2025
Many years ago, Dr. Billy asked me to appear on stage with him for a Lords of Leather Ball through a mutual friend, coincidentally named Bill. However, I denied the request and so regretted the invitation. At the time, I really didn't know that invitation was an absolute honor. But along with not having confidence in myself, even though physically I could have pulled it off. Since Bill told me about Dr. Billy's passing, it immediately brought up the LOL event that I really missed out on. I'm so sorry for all the suffering he went through, prior to his sudden passing. My deepest condolences to his partner and family.
Allison Brown RT(R)
March 17, 2025
It was always a pleasure to see Dr. K, as I called him, walk into the room to help a CRNA put a patient to sleep, Especially in the middle of the night, doing a stroke procedure. He was always cheerful and I loved to get a big hug from him. I worked with him at East Jefferson General Hospital and I was very shocked to see that he passed. He will be greatly missed and I know the whole Anesthesia department will feel the void. Rest in peace Dr. K.
Julia Hosak
March 17, 2025
So sorry for your lost. He was a good friend. We live on the same street.
Jeff ,Jerome and Aubrey
March 17, 2025
Such a kind and faithful friend! We will miss him.
Ron Budenich
March 17, 2025
I never saw Dr. Billy without a smile. He genuinely loved people and it showed. He will be sorely missed in the leather community, and by all who knew him in New Orleans. A sweet man taken too soon. Our condolences to his partner/husband, Eddie, and the rest of Billy's family. RIP, Dr. Billy!
Lena and Jarrett
March 16, 2025
Our thoughts and condolences are with you Ed and also with Dr. Billy´s friends and family.
JAN D GULDEN D.M.D.
March 16, 2025
THANK YOU FOR BEING AN ANESTHSIOLOGIST
Marco Kinsella
March 15, 2025
It is hard to put into words the depth of my sorrow at your sudden passing , Bill. We met over five decades ago as college students, and in the 52 years that followed, you became more than a friend-you were a brother in spirit. Through all of life´s changes, from our early days as young men full of ambition to the seasoned lives we led, your presence was a constant, steady, and reassuring force.
Your work as an anesthesiologist was a testament to your dedication to others. You were a man who eased pain, both in your profession and in your friendships. You had a gift-not just in medicine but in kindness, in laughter, in the way you made those around you feel valued. It is difficult to accept that you are gone, especially when I think back to our last visit in November. I never imagined it would be our final time together.
Bill, your sudden passing at 69 is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life is. You were taken too soon, and the loss is deeply felt by all who knew you. I will carry your memory with me always-the long talks, the shared laughter, the unspoken understanding that comes only with a friendship as long and true as ours.
Rest in peace, my dear friend. You are missed beyond words.
With love and remembrance,
Marco
Cindy
March 15, 2025
He was one of my favorite docs over the years. Billy will be greatly missed. Rest in peace. Much love to the family.
Jan Mueller Karee
March 14, 2025
Jan Mueller Karee class of 1974 Marian Catholic. Billy was a very special friend in my high school years. I have so many loving, fun, treasured memories. Our group of friends were so special. From Fiddler on the roof to proms and much more. RIP wonderful angel.
Gretchen Bomboy
March 14, 2025
Dr. Billy was a spot of sunshine every time you greeted him at coffee. Always open, always happy to see you.
One of the most lovable people I have ever met.
Karon Sanders
March 14, 2025
Dr. Billy was an outstanding physician and a great friend, we worked together at Methodist and at Fairway. Prayers for Ed and family.
Edward Gordon
March 14, 2025
What an amazing person and outstanding doctor.
GREG TORTORICH
March 14, 2025
Billy always a friend from the beginning. Who couldn´t like him. See you in the afterlife Billy
Cherie Burke
March 14, 2025
I was lucky to cross paths with Billy at East Jefferson. Being from E. Stroudsburg & having lived & worked in Philly, NYC & the Lehigh Valley (including Sacred Heart) we reminisced about PA and mutual experiences & places. May your memories of Billy bolster you as you grieve. My sincerest condolences.
Marie
March 14, 2025
Billy was an awesome friend and a great neighbor. He gave wise advise to all the kids. Rest In Peace.
Joani
March 14, 2025
From the 1960s to the 2020s.
Terri Gowin
March 14, 2025
I'm very sad to hear this. I worked with Dr Billy for several years at Fairway Hospital. He was the nicest man and was compassionate with his patients. I'm glad I had the chance to know him. My sympathies to his family.
Susan Serio
March 14, 2025
Dr Bill was a wonderful person he made all of us that worked with him over the years feel like we were part of his family after Katrina when I went to an interview for a new job I heard his voice I knew I found a new home I will forever miss him love to his family love
kathleen walsh
March 13, 2025
Best wishes on your new journey. A kind & loving man Always remember your birthday since you share it with my son. Condolences to Ed.you were always so kind to me and our patients & co-workers
Bill Nicholson, CRNA, retired
March 13, 2025
Bill was a pleasure to work with at Lakeland Hospital in New Orleans East. When we administered anesthesia to children he had a special version of "Hush-a-bye" he would sing to the children. My deepest sympathy well wishes to Ed.
Joan Benek-Rivera, PhD
March 13, 2025
Our friendship spanned some 65 years....from the 1960s to the 2020s. Billy was a good friend...a terrific human being whose personality was larger than life. I will miss you, Dr. Billy. Thanks for such good memories.
Msgr. Tom Baddick, Marian Class of 1973
March 13, 2025
Bill was always an upbeat, personable, and kind person. I enjoyed our years together at Marian, members of the Class of '73. We both played the role of Lazar Wolfe, the butcher, in our Senior Class play, Fiddler on the Roof. "Bill, God be good to you!" And as Lazar Wolfe would say, I say to you Bill, "L'chaim, To life, Dr. Bill Krajcirik, live forever in the peace of God's Kingdom!!"
Rhea McCarthy
March 13, 2025
Oh what a guy! We were a team when I was called to surgery to do an x-ray. Jumped right in to help turn, reposition, and even helped me roll the monster c-arm into to or room when I came pushing it into this cramped rooms. Rest in peace my friend . You will not be forgotten .
Rhea McCarthy
PMMH
Methodist Hospital
Betsy Young MD
March 13, 2025
I have fond memories of working with Dr Billy at Fairway hospital on the North shore of Lake Ponchartrain . My most sincere condolences to Ed and Billy´s extended family .
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