January 27, 1953 – April 6, 2026
John M. Krol, a resident of Reading for 45 years, passed away at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington on April 6, 2026. He was 73 years of age. John was born on January 27, 1953, in Melrose, Massachusetts. He was the son of the late Henry C. and Ann (Norton) Krol.
John grew up in Wakefield and graduated from Wakefield High School. He attended Lowell Tech (now UMASS Lowell) briefly before joining the General Electric Apprentice Program, where he received certification as a machinist. John worked multiple jobs, at General Electric and at the former Finest Grocery Store, while attending the Apprentice Program, putting himself through school while supporting his young family. Upon graduation from the program, he spent his career at General Electric as a piece worker, where he made several lifelong friends.
John enjoyed the outdoors his entire life, fishing, swimming and water skiing as a teen at the family summer home in Maine, and hiking and riding his mountain bike until he was too ill to do so. He loved spending time on his motorcycle, and would gladly spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon driving along the ocean with his wife, Nancy, on the back. He spent many years as an active member of the Concord Rod and Gun Club, where he participated in competitive archery and target shooting. John was most passionate about his family, and was known as a hands on and involved father and grandfather.
John was the beloved husband of Nancy A. (Pearson) Krol. Devoted father of Erin N. Krol and her partner William Arcand of Bedford, NH. Loving grandfather of Patrick Krol of Reading. Cherished brother of Richard Krol and his wife Deborah of Florida, Steven Krol and his spouse Paco Hernandez of Warren, the late Henry “Skip” Krol and late Barbara Rymer. He was the dear nephew and godson of the late Elly Monson, and he is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
A funeral service celebrating John’s life will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading on Saturday April 11, 2026, at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Charles Lawn Cemetery in Reading. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Friday April 10, 2026, from 4-7pm.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Reading Food Pantry 6 Salem St. Reading, MA 01867.
For directions and online guestbook visit www.douglassfuneralhome.com
