Richard "Rich" J. Krempasky

COOLIDGE - Dr. Richard J. "Rich" Krempasky, 81, of Coolidge, a retired school superintendent, died on Feb. 6, 2016, surrounded by his family.

Dr. Krempasky was born on Dec. 19, 1934, in Gratztown, Pennsylvania, one of seven children of John and Margaret Krempasky. He attended a two-room schoolhouse and later graduated from Hurst High School in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. He joined the Pennsylvania State Guard in 1951 and eventually joined the Marine Corps. He was stationed in Japan and served in the Korean War. He was a sergeant and served for eight years, and later proudly wore his uniform for parades and other functions. While home on leave he met his future wife, Geraldine Rapach, on a blind date on Christmas Day and it was love at first sight. They married on May 28, 1960.

He went to college on the GI Bill and received a bachelor’s degree in accounting along with taking legal courses. He eventually received a master’s degree in education, an MBA and a doctorate in education. He taught in public schools in grades three through high school and then at the college level. He was a principal, business director, public relations executive, assistant superintendent and superintendent for more than 26 years in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, Stanfield, Coolidge, Superior, San Simon and Chinle. Often called "Dr. K.," he also owned and operated an accounting and consulting business and was actively involved in a small fire business.

He was active all of his life and played sports. Very competitive, he was a successful coach with seven straight years of undefeated high school football teams and also coached basketball and wrestling. He was always helping someone less fortunate and treated people with kindness and respect.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years; three sons, Robert of Towanda, Pennsylvania, Jeffry of Apache Junction and James of Casa Grande; a daughter, Sharon Willmore of Filer, Idaho; two sisters, Marceline and Roberta of Inverness, Florida; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, with another expected.

Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. Monday at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud Coolidge Chapel, with rosary recited at 7. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Tuesday at St. James Catholic Church by the Rev. Adolfo Martinez. Burial will be in National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, in Phoenix.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Harmony Hospice, 201 E. Cottonwood Lane, Casa Grande, AZ 85122.