Stanley Joseph Krol, Sr.

On November 8, 2025, Stanley (Stash) Joseph Krol, Sr age 90 of Essex, Maryland passed. Stanley was married to the late Mary Ellen (nee Palasik) Krol for 60 years. He is survived by their three children: Theresa Krol, Stanley Krol, Jr and his wife Christina, and Helen Rose; eight grandchildren: Dylan, Peter, Patrick, Christopher, Catherine, Lucy, Sundance and Trinity; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was born on February 22, 1935 and grew up the youngest of nine children in the Fells Point neighborhood of Baltimore City and attended church services and school at the Polish parish of St. Stanislaus Kostka on Ann Street. After high school, he pursued interests and training in electronics, radio and telecommunication technologies.

Stanley was a veteran, career civil servant, and volunteer. He served seven years in the U.S. Coast Guard rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer before leaving to marry the love of his life, Mary Ellen. He served the U. S. Federal Government as an employee of the National Security Agency for over 25 years, where he performed such services to our country as breaking a telecom code during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Overlapping his civil service career, he was a volunteer member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary supporting operations in Back and Middle Rivers, as wells as the upper Chesapeake Bay. He served this organization for over 30 years. During this service, he was recognized multiple times for his efforts in conducting community boating safety classes, performing vessel safety checks, and leading boater rescue missions. In 1987 he received a lifesaving award.

In his personal life, Stanley was a devoted husband and father. He practiced his electrical, mechanical, and woodworking skills as hobbies and occasional side business. He was incredibly inventive, regularly coming up with solutions whatever the need. Throughout his life, Stanley had a love for and was an avid boater, sharing this love with his wife, children and grandchildren – a timeless gift. His children cherish the memories of the many excursions to Heart Miller Island and family camping trips.

Stanley will be remembered for his steady presence and his deep commitment to family and country.

Friends may call at the family-owned Bruzdzisnki Funeral Home, 1407 Old Eastern Avenue, Essex, Maryland 21221, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10 AM. Interment St. Stanislaus Cemetery.