Obituary of Frank R. Krupit
Frank Richard Krupit passed away at home surrounded by his wife, Maria, and two sons, Matthew and Julian, on May 23, 2024. They are his survivors.
Born on Christmas Eve in 1951, he grew up in Brooklyn, NY., before relocating to South Plainfield in 1992. After attending Erasmus Hall High School in Flatbush, he graduated Lehman College in the Bronx with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. In addition to his family, music turned out to be among Frank’s many passions, learning to play guitar and keyboards and attending many dozens of rock ‘n’ roll shows – including the 1965 Beatles concert in Shea Stadium.After working in the New York City jewelry business for a brief period, he went to work at Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) as a data-entry clerk. Thirty-eight years later, as Assistant Vice President of Statistics, he retired.
During these years, he enjoyed salt water fishing with his friend Capt. Mike Brummout of Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn. He later purchased his own boat, the IDA G, and acquired his captain's license, which he held for many years and acquired the nickname of “Frank the Crank.” A highly skilled fisherman, he would often sell his catch, especially bluefish and striped bass,off the docks of Sheepshead Bay and at the Fulton Fish Market in NYC. Also an avid cyclist, Frank enjoyed many cycling trips with friends and his wife. He was proud to have completed the 5 Boro Bike Tour 3 times.
Frank's most beloved pastime later in life returned to music when he rediscovered playing guitar. His love for playing his left-handed acoustic and electric guitars filledhim with joy (and earned him another nickname, “Lefty”). He played with several bands, including Joe's Basement Band, the Paul Eukena Trio, and his all-time favorite, The DORKS. He relished playing classic rock ‘n’ roll once a year at the DORKfest in Breinigsville, Pa. One highlight was Frank’s note-perfect rendition of Mark Knopfler’s lead guitar parts on Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing,” along with many Steely Dan songs.Frank also toured Ireland with Maria and members of the band Celtic Spirit, whom he sat in with on guitar. He and Maria always enjoyed the best-ever pours of Guinness Stout in pubs across the Emerald Isle.
Frank was extremely close to his two sons, who have grown to be terrific young men. Julian says “Dad was a wonderful mentor in everything about life, how to live it and how to lead it. My biggest supporter.” As one of Frank’s fellow-musician friends said upon learning of Frank’s passing: “He has certainly earned his harp – left-handed, of course.”
Family and friends are invited to a visitation at the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ, on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 11am-1pm. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains, NJ.