Gerald Wayne Krygowski, known affectionately to his friends and family as Jerry, brought laughter and love into the world from the moment he was born on February 7, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. His unexpected passing on October 29, 2025, due to a massive stroke, has left his loved ones holding tightly to cherished memories and the echo of his hearty chuckles.
Jerry was the kind of man who could light up a room with his quick wit and easy smile. He was a loving husband to Nancy Krygowski, a dedicated father to his sons Gerald Jr. (who preceded him in death) and Jeffrey, and a proud grandfather to Jeffrey’s children, Alaina and Ryan. His daughter, Jillian Tzounos, her husband Nikolas, and their children, Kyra and Dean, will deeply miss his funny stories and granddad jokes at family gatherings.
Jerry’s intelligence and work ethic were unmatched. For more than 40 years, he proudly served as an Elevator Mechanic and a member of Local 2 of the Constructor’s Union, helping keep the city of Chicago moving—literally. His colleagues knew him as a man who could ease any tense situation with a well-timed quip or a perfectly told story from his years of experience.
Outside of work, Jerry embraced life with joy and gusto. Whether dominating the golf course with his unorthodox swing, rolling strikes at the bowling alley, outbluffing friends at poker, or turning a simple block of wood into a masterpiece, he approached every hobby with humor and passion.
To those who knew him best, Jerry was funny, handy, and endlessly loving—a jester, craftsman, and family man all rolled into one. His ability to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories was a gift, and his stories could make even the toughest crowd laugh until they cried.
As we bid farewell to Jerry, we take comfort in imagining him cracking jokes and charming angels with that familiar twinkle in his eye. His legacy of humor, craftsmanship, and love will live on in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to have known him.
Visitation: Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois.
Funeral: Sunday, November 2, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Service and Time of Remembrance to be held at the funeral home.
Cremation rites to be accorded.