John Joseph “Jack” Kryst

John Joseph “Jack” Kryst, 97, of West Caln, PA passed away peacefully on Monday, February 5, 2024, at the Coatesville VA Medical Center. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of the late Martha S. Drozdowski Kryst of Minersville, PA. He was the beloved husband of Sophia F. Kryst with whom he shared 45 years of marriage.

Upon graduating from high school, John enlisted in the United States Army and went on to honorably serve our nation during World War II as a demolitions specialist. As a veteran, he was proud of his service to our country and had a lifetime love of history, especially that of World War II.

A resident of Coatesville for over 70 years, Jack was a kind and gentle man with a “hello” or “hi-ya” and some small pleasantries for everyone he met. While initially relocating to the area to work on the pipeline in the late forties, he was also a part-time lifeguard at the local YMCA. Shortly thereafter, he became employed by Lukens Steel and worked in various positions for 42 years before his retirement in 1992. A tried-and-true Coatesvillian, for years he enjoyed his morning cup of coffee at the Famous Restaurant in downtown Coatesville.

He had a lifelong interest in weightlifting and running and continued to pursue these athletics well into his 80s - running on the beach with his dogs and more locally around the Coatesville Reservoir and Layton Park. He also really enjoyed Big Band era music, and many of his weeks culminated in listening to “Fridays with Frank” and “Sundays with Sinatra” on FM radio. But he got his biggest “kick” out of his grandchildren and enjoyed entertaining them when they were young with endless silly antics and games and was so proud of the young women and men they are growing up to be.

Jack is survived by his wife, Sophia, of West Caln township, and his two daughters - Sasha Kryst of Coatesville and Tatiana DiSilvestro, wife of the late Francis Luke DiSilvestro III, of Honey Brook, and five grandchildren - Tristan Wogram, and Kyleigh, Triniti, Francis “Frankie” IV, and Gavin DiSilvestro.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, February, 26, 2024 from the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St., Parkesburg, PA 19365. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation period taking place from 11:30 AM until the start of the service. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com.