Remembering Mahwah’s Heroes: John G. Krupinski

Although Ann Krupinski didn’t meet her late husband John until after his military service was complete, she says his time serving the country affected him for the rest of his life.

Born in 1920 and raised in Mahwah, John G. Krupinski was drafted in 1942, and served as sergeant in the 8^th Air Force.

The gunner was captured by enemy troops in Schweinfurt, Germany on October 14, 1943, and was interned for 569 days, according to his wife. 

“He was liberated on May 5, 1945, and came home to Mahwah. We married in 1949,” Ann said.

“At first, he didn’t really talk about his service much, but as he got older, he shared more and more about it with us. I am grateful for that,” she said.

“We also started going to Prisoner of War and military reunions all over the country to meet up with other veterans.”

John, who worked as a technician at the ABEX Corporation after returning from war, received in his lifetime a prisoner of war medal, purple heart, and air medal, according to his American Ex-Prisoners of War website profile.

After he retired, John and Ann moved to Florida in the 1990’s. The couple returned to Mahwah in the mid-2000’s when John started suffering from Alzheimer’s.

“He was sick and we wanted to be home. All of our family and friends were here,” Ann explained.

John died on Dec 2, 2007. Ann still attends the township’s Memorial Day celebrations to honor his memory. 

“He was just a really good guy. I miss him more and more,” she said.

Mahwah’s annual , honoring all those who have served and who currently serve the country, will begin at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart Church. This year, it will be capped off by the unveiling of the newly renovated Veteran’s Park.