Stanley Francis Krysa

March 13, 1929 – March 1, 2025

Stanley Francis Krysa, just shy of his 96th birthday, died peacefully in his sleep at his home of nearly 60 years in Alexandria, VA. He was born in Hudson, Massachusetts to Jan (John) Krysa, a factory worker, and Katarzyna (Katie) Tarka Krysa, a homemaker. The youngest of ten children of Polish immigrants, he was the first in his family to graduate from college. He is predeceased by his parents and his siblings: Frances Supeck, Mary Hickey, Felix Krysa, Stacia Joubert, John Krysa, Genevieve Czerbinski, Joseph Krysa, Edward Krysa and Frank Krysa.

Stan attended St. Michael's Catholic School in Hudson and graduated from Hudson High School in 1947. After high school, he volunteered for the United States Army, serving two years, including 15 months in Korea where he worked in the Finance Corps and played baseball for the United States Army team. In 1953, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Reserve Officers' Corps and remained in the reserves until his discharge as a 1st Lieutenant in 1961. He graduated with a BS in Economics from the University of Wisconsin (Madison) in 1953. While at Wisconsin, he played baseball on two Big Ten Championship teams, earning three varsity letters. He graduated from the University of Texas (Austin) Law School in 1957. While at UT Law School, Stan was introduced by his brother, Joe, to Beverly Birkel, a UT undergraduate from Tyler, Texas, whom Stan married in July 1957.

Stan passed the Texas Bar exam in December 1956, prior to graduation from law school, under a Texas program allowing military service veterans with a specific number of academic law credits to take its bar examination, and if successful, to be admitted the practice of law. In March 1957, Stan joined the United States Department of Justice under the Attorney General's Honors Program. He served nearly 42 years in the department's Tax Division, serving as a trial attorney in both civil and criminal tax litigation of federal tax violations. He appeared on behalf of the United States in civil tax cases in federal courts in almost every state. He received promotions throughout his career including Chief of the Criminal Trial Section and Director of Criminal Tax Enforcement. He authorized the prosecution of hundreds of alleged tax violators, including Marc Rich, commodities trader and financier, who fled to Switzerland and was pardoned by President Clinton, and Leona Helmsley, the hotel entrepreneur who was convicted of tax violations. During his tenure, the conviction rate through guilty pleas or by trial was maintained at approximately 97%.

Stan received numerous Honors and Awards including the Presidential Senior Executive Service Meritorious Executive Rank Award and the Attorney General's Distinguished Service Award. The American Bar Association Tax Section awarded him the Ritholz Memorial Merit Award, given for "dedication, achievement and integrity" in federal civil and criminal tax controversies. He was a frequent lecturer on tax matters, appearing before many State Bar Associations and tax seminars throughout the United States. He retired in January 1999.

Upon retirement, Stan traveled with his wife, Beverly, throughout the United States and abroad. He enjoyed beach vacations and gatherings with his children and grandchildren. At home, he tended his large vegetable garden and loved sitting next to a roaring fire watching the Washington Capitals and Commanders or Wisconsin football and basketball. He was most proud that all of his children and grandchildren graduated from college (the youngest will graduate in 2026).

He coached youth hockey and baseball and volunteered at summer swim meets for many years. He was a lifetime member of the National W Club, whose members are University of Wisconsin lettermen and letterwomen supporting the University's athletic programs. He was a parishioner of the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria, VA.

Stan is survived by Beverly, his wife for over 67 years and his five children: Caroline (Brendan) O'Hara of Alexandria, VA; Victoria (Craig) Wolf of Naperville, IL; Katherine (David) Wright of Sterling, VA; Jennifer of Alexandria; and Thomas (Amy) of Highlands Ranch, CO. He is survived by eleven grandchildren: Paul O'Hara; Matthew (partner Mayla Martins) Wolf, Helena (Nicholas) Bonfitto, Caroline (fiance Matthew Neufeldt) Wolf and Stephanie Wolf; Natalie (Bradley) Webster, Daniel (Molly) Wright and Scott Wright; and John Krysa, Joseph Krysa and Samuel Krysa; by two great-grandsons, Eli Bonfitto and Jack Webster; and by a large extended family. The family thanks Hewan Deneke for her loyalty and devotion in caring for Stan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Monday, March 24 at the Basilica of St. Mary, 310 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA. A reception will follow the service at his home. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Relief Services.