Paul F. Kruppa, Sr.

Paul F. Kruppa, Sr., 88, passed away on October 12, 2022, after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Roberta (Valli) Kruppa who passed away in 2016 and whom he cared for while she battled Parkinson’s Disease for 38 years. A loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle, Paul died peacefully under hospice care at UConn John Dempsey Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

Paul was born in Torrington in 1934, the son of Paul and Margaret (Metro) Kruppa. He attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Torrington High School in 1951. From 1955-1957, Paul served in the Army and was based in Okinawa. For most of his adult years, Paul was employed by Allied Grocers Co-op, Inc. and served as the Director of Personnel.

During his youth, Paul was an athlete and baseball was his passion. He was an accomplished left-handed pitcher and many newspaper articles referred to him as “The Baffler” due to his skill at striking out batters. After high school, Paul continued playing baseball in the minor leagues for a few years in many southern states. He played for such teams as the Eldorado Oilers and the Baton Rouge Red Sticks.

Paul was also an avid outdoorsman and fly-fishing was a particular interest of his. He tied his own flies and enjoyed the solitude and challenge of the sport. He could often be found wading in the Farmington River and he also loved to recount wonderful fishing trips to Labrador and Montana.

Above all, Paul was a devoted family man and friend. His values, sense of humor, kindness, generosity, and easy-going nature were appreciated by all who knew him. His children and grandchildren especially enjoyed his good-natured teasing. He will be sorely missed.

In addition to his wife, Paul was predeceased by his son, Paul Kruppa, Jr. (July 12, 2022), of Torrington, and his daughter, Donna Gioiele, of Torrington. He is survived by his son, Roger Kruppa, and wife, Joy, of Reading, MA; his daughter, Gail Kruppa, and husband, Mark McEachern, of Torrington; his daughter-in-law, Anne Kruppa, of Torrington; his son-in-law, Robert Gioiele, of Torrington, and grandchildren Dylan, Damon and Mia.

Private funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cook Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Parkinson’s Foundation or Smilow Cancer Center.