SPRINGFIELD – Thomas E. Krapf, “Deacon Tom,” 79, passed away July 16, 2008, at his home. He was born Dec. 6, 1928, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the seventh child of William C. and Catherine Krapf. On Sept. 16, 1950, he married Charlotte M. Doyle, “Lottie,” his lifelong love. On May 19, 1984, he was ordained permanent deacon at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Lloyd Harbor, Long Island, N.Y. Deacon Tom graduated from the high school of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. He worked in New York City in the insurance business, eventually working from home as an independent agent with his lovely secretary and wife, Lottie. Since youth, Deacon Tom had always been involved in the Catholic church. He served as an altar boy, sang in the choir, had the role of cantor at three Masses on Sundays, was a member of Knights of Columbus, a leader in the charismatic renewal, led a healing ministry, founder of Parish Players musical group and led the music ministry at prayer meetings and at prison. Deacon Tom loved to sing and dance. With Lottie they won many first place trophies for the foxtrot, jitterbug and ballroom. A song and dance man, he sure could tap dance. He directed, wrote and performed in many musicals and minstrel shows. He loved taking his family on vacations. In 1973 he discovered Maine and said it was God’s country. He retired to Springfield in 1986, where he devoted himself to Lottie and his ministry as deacon. He served as chaplain at Penobscot Valley Hospital, formed Bible study groups and facilitated in RCIA, Right of Christian Initiation. He took great pride and joy in baptizing children and adults, presiding at weddings and bringing Jesus’ healing power to those in need. The people at St. James Parish, Kingman, were especially dear to him. He is survived by his five children, Thomas Jr. and his wife, Monica, Steven and special friend, Vicky, Jane Marie and her husband, Tom, James and his wife, Katherine and John and his wife, Linda; his grandchildren, Sherry, Melissa, Christina, Jessica, Steven Jr., Robert, Thomas, Timothy, Jennifer, Kelly, Deanne, Johnny and Katie; his great-grandchildren, Taylor, Desiree and one on the way; stepgrandchildren, John, Peter, Wendy and Courtney; great-stepgrandchildren, Eric, Mikayla, Maddison, Matthew and MacKenzie. Friend may call 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday at Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. A solemn funeral Mass for Deacon Tom will be concelebrated by the Rev. Msgr. Charles Murphy, the Rev. Roger Cyr, the Rev. Myles Cyr and the Rev. Leroy Landry 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church, Lincoln. Interment will be at Krapf Family Cemetery, Springfield. For an online register book, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com
DEACON THOMAS E. KRAPF
