WEBSTER – William J. “Bill” Kralik, 70, died Saturday, December 28, 2019 at home surrounded by his Life Skills family.
He leaves 2 sisters, Barbara A. Brigham and her husband Bruce of Naples, FL, his twin sister, Elizabeth J. Colwick of Simpsonville, SC; his nephews, Robert Colwick and his daughter, Kathleen Colwick, and Jason Brigham and his wife Ceylan and their daughter Mina; many cousins and their families. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Jonathan Colwick in 1997.
He was born on July 7, 1949 in Hartford, CT, a son of Joseph and Ann (Gates) Kralik and moved to Sturbridge, MA in 1973. He moved to independent living in 1979 with the help of the ARC Program. Eventually he moved to his home on Brodeur Avenue in Webster under the auspices of the Life Skills Program.
With the guidance of his loving parents and through the Life Skills program, Bill lived his life to his fullest potential and taught all those around him the true meaning of leading an innocent, simple life. Throughout his life he loved music and dancing. He was a huge Elvis and Dolly Parton fan. Indian Ranch was a favorite summertime event. He loved his family and spent many fun vacations with them, including Disney World.
Mr. Kralik worked for several years at Park ‘N’ Shop in Dudley. He was offered many wonderful opportunities through the workshops at both Life Skills and the Center of Hope. He participated for many years in the Special Olympics. He made many friends throughout his life. Whenever out and about in Webster with his family, inevitably someone would come up to him and say “hi”.
Bill’s family would like to say thank you to Dr. Richard Palken, Dr. Amjad Bahnassi, the VNA Hospice of Southern Worcester County and Overlook Hospice. They would also like to thank his Life Skills family, Diane, Patty, Marriah, Brittany, Gail, Deborah, Stacy, Catherine, Margaret, Emma, Berlyne, Emily, Susan, Lori, Polly, Nancy & Lisa R. and many more who over the past 30 years through their personal and work ethic of caring, kindness and dedication helped Bill in immeasurable ways to lead a life of happiness and independence before and through the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s. For all this his family will be eternally grateful.
A memorial Mass will be held Friday, January 3, 2020 at 11:00 AM in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street (please go directly to the church). Burial will be private and at the convenience of his family. Memorial donations in his name may be made to Life Skills, Inc. 44 Morris Street, Webster, MA 01570. Arrangements are under the direction of Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, Webster.