Joseph Lewis Kromash passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, appropriately in the wine aisle of BJ’s, despite extensive heroic efforts by concerned passersby and first responders to revive him. He was 82 years old and had been in declining health. We, his family, are heartbroken and will miss his presence, love, and kindness every day. We are comforted that he did not suffer in those last minutes.
Survivors include his loving wife and soul mate, Ruth, to whom he was married for 63 years, his children Wendi and Kenneth, daughter-in-law Joanne, beloved grandchildren Benjamin and Jacqueline, brothers Marvin (Laurie) and Stan Lee (Marsha), and many nieces and nephews. The family gratefully acknowledges the incredible support provided by Nadia Elsalmy over the past three years. He and Ruth also found joy as first-time dog owners, and their dog Lolly always made Joe smile.
Joe was adored by everyone: the thousands of patients he cared for over his long career as a dentist, the group (‘The Crowd’) from high school who remained his lifelong friends, the new friends he met at Indian Springs in Boynton Beach when Joe and Ruth moved from Pennsylvania to Florida in 2003. Joe always greeted friends and strangers alike with a kind word or compliment. His talent as an artist flourished in his retirement, and many of his artworks are framed and displayed prominently throughout their home.
A celebration of his life will take place on March 15 between 1pm and 6pm at the home of Randi and Howard Berger, 2237 Peachtree Lane in Northbrook. Minyan will be at 4:30 p.m.
Joe cared deeply about many issues and had already voted in Florida’s primary. If you wish to honor his memory with a gift, the family suggests these organizations: Indian Spring Hadassah (11602 Briarwood Circle, #1, Boynton Beach, FL 33437), Planned Parenthood (plannedparenthood.org) or SmileTrain (smiletrain.org). May his memory be for a blessing.