Mitchell J. Krukar, 65, of Southport, NC, formerly of Stowe, VT, Long Valley, and Clifton, NJ, passed to eternal life suddenly on June 11, 2022.  He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Barbara (nee Klein), sons Kyle of Providence Village, Texas, Ryan and his wife Stephanie of Stowe, VT, grandchildren Charlie and Quinn, brother Mark and his wife Irene of Rockaway, NJ, stepmother MaryLou Krukar, and stepbrothers Michael and Dan Surdez, all of whom he loved dearly. He will be truly missed by all of his family and friends including his two nieces, four nephews, two grandnieces and seven grandnephews.

?Mitch was born August 4, 1956 in Jersey City, NJ to Rudolph and Irene Krukar (Kwacz). He graduated from Clifton High School in June of 1974, where he played saxophone in the marching band, orchestra, and concert band. Mitch was also a member of the High School Ski Racing Team. After graduating high school, Mitch attended St. Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont where he majored in Business Administration.  Mitch was an avid road biker and skier. He enjoyed hiking and recreating in northern Vermont, namely, around and atop Mt. Mansfield in the Stowe area.

?During his time at St. Michael’s College Mitch developed many lifelong friendships and a love for all things Vermont and the great outdoors.  Upon graduating from St. Michael’s in May of 1978, Mitch returned to New Jersey where he began his career with Tenneco Chemicals.  From there, Mitch enjoyed a long, illustrious career in the flavor and food ingredient industry with multiple organizations including D.D. Williamson, Virginia Dare, Mane USA, Corn Products, Solazyme Inc., Rochem International and most recently, with Tate & Lyle.  Mitch was well-known and loved in the industry where he always allowed his infectious personality to shine. 

?While living in Long Valley, NJ, he was a wonderful father and leader who volunteered his time to the community, coaching youth soccer, baseball, and lacrosse teams where he positively impacted the lives of so many.  He was able to coach both of his sons and their friends, all who look back on their time with Mitch fondly.

?Mitch was also a long-time fan of the Jets Football Team and The Grateful Dead, He could be seen wearing “Steal Your Face” gear frequently while road biking or enjoying the summertime weather, poolside at his Long Valley home. His long, strange trip was unexpectedly cut short, but now he can listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock his soul. 

Friends may call on Tuesday June 28^th, from 3 to 7 pm at the William J. Leber Funeral Home, 15 Furnace Rd., Chester, NJ 07930. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 11am, at St. Mark the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 59 Spring Lane, Long Valley, NJ 07853.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts in Mr. Krukar’s memory be made to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 200 Vesey St., 28^th floor, NY, NY 10281, or Spectrum for Living, 210 Rivervale Rd, River Vale, NJ 07675.