Vernon Mourning Loss Of Longtime Recreation Fixture Steve Krajewski

VERNON, CT — Vernon is mourning the loss of Steve Krajewski, a local native, a fixture in the Parks and Recreation Department and local sports scene for more than four decades and a member of the Rockville High School Hall of Fame.

Krajewski's family announced his passing Friday. He was 69.

Krajewski served as Vernon's assistant director of parks and recreation for 42 years, from shortly after his graduation from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1977 until his retirement in December 2019.

"Steve was an extremely hard worker who focused on providing our residents with a great variety of athletic and recreation programs," Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. "He was known and loved by just about everybody."

Added current parks and recreation director Marty Sitler, "He was a lover of sports and he dedicated his career to his hometown of Vernon. Even in retirement, Steve continued to support local programs. This is a great loss to the community."

The family on Monday expressed its appreciation for all the well-wishes that have been pouring in.

Krajewski graduated from St. Joseph School in 1969), from Rockville High School in 1973, and from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1977. He was married for 35 years to Danielle (Major) Krajewski.

His lifetime of sports began at the age of eight when he played baseball with the Rockville Little League and St. Joseph’s School. At RHS, he ran cross country and lettered in baseball and basketball. Krajewski received the Journal Inquirer’s high school Athlete-of-the-Year Award in 1973 was a senior captain for both the Ram baseball and basketball teams, made All- CVC in baseball and basketball as a junior and senior, led the CVC in scoring in basketball as a senior (22.4 points per game), participated in the North-South All-Star Game at the New Haven Coliseum, led the baseball program to CVC baseball titles in 1971 and 1972, and was chosen to an all-star team that played at Fenway Park in 1971.

Krajewski played third base for three years and one year as a first baseman with Eastern, where he earned the nickname "Krash," which stuck for the rest of his life. He was a four-year starter for the Warriors, a senior captain, a two-time All-New England selection and the Nutmeg Baseball Classic MVP in 1975.

He was named to Eastern’s all-time baseball team in 1978.

At the rec department, Krash implemented many programs for the community and the July in the Sky fireworks show was his biggest annual event.

He ran and coached other programs like Pee Wee sports and activities, aquatics, the REK after-school program, youth and adult basketball and softball leagues and the Summer Days Carnival.

He retired in 2019.

Steve was the most dedicated recreation professional I know. He always fought for the kids of Rockville," said Bruce Dinnie, the former Vernon director. "With youth basketball and other programs he provided services for the youth of Vernon. He was funny,
loving, a great guy, and dedicated to family and loved by so many friends."

Krash began playing baseball with the Vernon Orioles at 14, and played until his retirement in 1993. He was involved with the team as a coach, manager, supporter, and friend, up until his passing.

He also played his share of rec basketball and softball. Krash is a Hall-of-Famer for baseball with the Greater Hartford Twilight League (1995), for baseball with Eastern (2006), for cross country, basketball, and baseball with Rockville High School (2014).

"I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Steve from 1986 to 1997. Steve was the consummate leader/teammate, fiercely loyal and a caring, thoughtful friend," Tolland rec supervisor Don Saya said. "His work ethic and commitment has continued to inspire me in my personal and professional life."

Calling hours are scheduled for Friday, Feb. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Rd., in Vernon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 8, beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 33 West St., Vernon. Guests attending are asked to please go directly to the church. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery, Vernon. To leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.

See the full obituary here.