HYDE PARK – Joseph John Kristofik, 93, of Hyde Park, passed away November 20, 2015, following a short illness. He was born in Irvington, NY on March 7, 1922 to Ludvik and Maria Kristofik.
His family moved to Millbrook, NY where he graduated from Millbrook High School, class of 1940. Following graduation he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he participated in the Invasion of Normandy. He was injured while on active duty and received a Purple Heart.
He was well known in Millbrook where he owned the Shell Gas Station for 25 years which was located across the street from The Tribute Gardens. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He retired in 1979 and moved to Florida for 5 years before returning to live in Hyde Park.
In May of 1946 he married Josephine Thelen of New Market, MN, who predeceased him in February 2014. He is survived by their sons Joseph Jr. and his wife Nancy of Clermont, FL, Robert and partner Dolores Butler of Poughkeepsie, and daughter Ann Barela and her husband Benjamin of Hyde Park.
In addition, he is survived by five grandchildren, Mark Kristofik and wife Jennifer, of West Palm Beach, FL, Christopher Barela and his wife Amanda, of Staatsburg, Kimberly Barela and partner Christopher Lasher, of Poughkeepsie, Nina Kristofik and her husband Jesse, of Wallingford, CT, and James Kristofik, of Westport, CT.
He is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren; Kaitlyn and Colin Kristofik, and Emma Josephine Barela, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Kristofik, and his brother Louis Kristofik and is survived by 2 sisters; Frances Renfroe of Andover, MA, and Sister Lucy Kristofik of Providence, RI.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Allen Funeral Home, 3270 Franklin Ave., Millbrook. There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 10 AM, at St. Joseph Church, in Millbrook.
