John Daniel Krupa, 44, of Ridgecrest Calif., formerly of Cranberry Township, went home to be with his Lord on Oct. 11 surrounded by his loving family.

He was a 1984 graduate of Seneca Valley High School, a Gulf War veteran and served his country honorably for 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. As a Marine gunnery sergeant, he was an aircraft systems technician for the AV8-B Harrier Aircraft.

After retiring from the corps in 2004, Gunnery Sgt. Krupa worked as a test flight engineer on weapons systems at China Lake NWAS, Ridgecrest, Calif.

He was an activist in conservative politics and an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Dan, as he was known to family and friends, is survived by his wife, Elida J. Krupa; a son, Joshua D. Krupa; a daughter, Samantha P. Krupa, formerly of Ridgecrest, Calif., now living in New Bern, N.C.; and a daughter, Kellie Ann Gillespie, a son-in-law Kevin Gillespie and granddaughter, Kaya, of Cranberry Township. Also surviving are his parents, John and Maureen Krupa, of Cranberry Township; a brother, James (Catherine) Krupa of New Brighton, Beaver County; a sister, Laurie (Steven) Ruggerio, of Newport News, Va.; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

<B>KRUPA</B> — Services for John Daniel Krupa, who died Monday, Oct. 11, 2010, were Oct. 15 at Cotton Funeral Home in New Bern, N.C., with his brother-in-law, the Rev. Steven M. Ruggerio, officiating.A memorial service will be held for local family and friends at NorthWay Christian Community church, Wexford, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 30 with family friend, the Rev. Janice M. Zotter, officiating.