Thomas L. Krzywkowski, (aka, “T.L.Kryss”) loving and devoted husband and father, of Portage County, Ravenna, Ohio, (Charlestown), passed away July 4, 2026, at the age of 78, in Ravenna, Ohio.
Born in 1948, on Cleveland, Ohio’s southeast side, Tom was loved by all and is remembered for his gentleness and kindness, strong constitution, and his deep love for poetry and the arts. He enjoyed watching sports, and was an ardent collector of coins, stamps, and many kinds of sports memorabilia. Tom was a gifted writer and poet, captivating the minds and hearts of all who read his works.
Tom also enjoyed spending time with his 4 children and wife, Carolyn, of 40 years. He often enjoyed trips with his family to city parks, baseball and football games, movie theaters, museums & zoos. Tom often spent time as an assistant baseball coach for his son’s little league team. Tom was a man who spoke very few words, while his actions of love to help each person he encountered spoke very loudly.
He attended high school at Garfield Heights, Ohio, where he edited a newspaper and established a literary magazine. After high school, he moved to Chicago and briefly attended Chicago’s Northwestern School of Journalism. Tom was active in the poetry scene, from the 1960’s up until his passing, publishing many works for various authors. He is also known for his activism in the preservation of free speech and was often involved in various efforts in the movement against censorship.
Tom worked for Morse Code/Honey Well Protection Services as a Dispatcher, troubleshooter, and in customer relations. He retired in 2003 after 33 years of superb service and loyalty to his employer. Both he and his wife, Carolyn, relocated to Ravenna, Ohio, where they spent their remaining days advocating for various causes, specifically advocating against the wrongful conviction and wrongful imprisonment of their son, Grady, who remains in prison for crimes he did not commit since 2001.
Tom is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn, of 40 years; his daughter, Lauren, (2012); and his parents, William (Borislav) Krzywkowski, and Mary (Plis) Krzywkowski. Tom is also survived by his sister, Marleen (Krzywkowski) Sooy of Ontario, Ohio; his sons, Grady Krzywkowski of Marion Ohio; Brendan Krzywkowski of Independence, Ohio; daughter, Hilary (Krzywkowski) Flexer of Michigan; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dad, over the last year, I am grateful for our long talks, the prayers, and the poems recited, and the music we listened to on YouTube over the phone from my deserted island. I am also grateful for everything you and Mom did to help me, making many sacrifices, enduring much heartache and pain, including all your hard work for many years of dedication and advocating for me.
Dad, I am also grateful that, during the final days, I was able to tell you how much I love you, because most people in my circumstances of confinement do not ever get that opportunity. Dad, always know I will never forget you or Mom!! We will see each other again!! Never a bye, let alone, a final goodbye.
Best Dad in the whole world!!
Love always,
Your son, Grady-xoxo!
