On Monday, January 4, 2021, Thomas Anthony Kralik, Jr., 46 years of age, passed away in Norfolk, Virginia where he lived for 16 years. He was humble, kind-hearted, had an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor. He loved cruising around the world and reggae music. He was an avid sports fan of the New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills, and Syracuse University.
Thomas was born on June 9, 1974 in Anchorage, Alaska. He was the only child to bless the union of Thomas and the late Denise (nee Mahoney) Kralik. The family moved to North Tonawanda, New York when he was very young. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at seven years old at Bible Presbyterian Church in Grand Island, New York.
As an active boy, Thomas had a keen desire to learn about new things. His curiosity for science was explored at Grant Street Elementary School. Payne Junior High pushed his pursuits for the mechanics in how things work and move. His passion for history was nurtured at North Tonawanda Senor High School where he graduated in 1992.
Thomas was employed by Topps Grocery Store and attended Niagara Community College prior to joining the United States Air Force on April 30, 1993. Upon completion of basic training at Lackland AFB, he went to Lowry AFB in Colorado for tech school. His first assignment was at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York with 416 SVS (ACC). In November 1995, he transferred to Langley Air Force Base. He loved his affiliation with the operational support in managing the food facility, as well as scheduling fitness and recreation programs within the 1 SVS Squadron (ACC).
As his path continued, Thomas pursued further education at ECPI University where he obtained an Associated Degree in Computer Electronics Technology in 1999. This propelled the opportunity to crosstrain into the Meteorological and Navigation Systems career field, 2003, with the 338 Training Squadron (AETC) at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. In 2004, Thomas fulfilled the requirements for the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Fitness, Recreation, and Service Management from the Community College of the Air Force. His final duty station was with the 633 Communications Squadron (ACC) at Langley Air Force Base as an Airfield Systems Craftsman.
Thomas received a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College on May 2, 2011. He enrolled at Old Dominion University and successfully completed the Career Switcher Program. The accomplishment allowed him to obtain a Provisional License to teach Health and Physical Education, PreK-12 in the Commonwealth of Virginia on July 27, 2013.
His decorated military career included multiple deployments to the Middle East and several awards: National Defense Service Medal with 1 service star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Korean Defense Service Medal. Thomas faithfully served his country until August 31, 2013.
Thomas was most recently employed by the City of Norfolk as a Master Deputy Sheriff. He started in 2013. Master Deputy Thomas Kralik accomplishments/certifications during his time at NSO are as follows: Military Recognition Award (6/1/17), Continuous Service Award (9/1/18), Leadership Development Award (8/19/20), Crisis Intervention Training (2/28/20) and Narcan Qualification (2/26/19).
He was the husband of 15 years to Shelly Kralik; father of Bryauna Kralik (Ebony Swindell) of Newport News, Virginia, Thomas Kralik, III, Kayla Kralik, and Andie Davis of Norfolk, Virginia. Thomas is survived by several aunts, uncles, and a host of loving relatives and friends.
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Nurse Harris says
January 9, 2021 at 1:05 pmKraylik -May your soul be at rest and at peace. We had so many laughs in medical and in the kitchen at NSO, conversations about our kids playing ball at Little Creek, to playing the doughnut game with the nurses, to talking about cruises and family. I will always remember your goofy laugh and always had a smile on your face, you contributed to every one of my daughters fundraisers and now its girl scout cookie time again and lord knows if you was still here you would be buying the dosidos. I am praying for your wife and children. I am sending them my deepest condolences. Rest easy Kray Kray, you will always be remembered. Fly High. until we meet again.
Shelly says
January 10, 2021 at 1:47 pmThank you for your kind words
Jackie Logan says
January 9, 2021 at 8:37 pmSending loving prayers to Shelli and children. Sorry for loss.
Deputy Benjamin Pilkington says
January 10, 2021 at 8:04 amMy deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the peace that you seek during this sorrowful time. Master Deputy Kralik was a great friend, and always brought a laugh or smile to someone’s face at NSO. We are a family at NSO and are together mourning the loss of our brother in blue. We will truly miss you Master Deputy Kralik. Rest easy my friend. ???
Peggy Gomez says
January 11, 2021 at 10:05 amI’m so sorry Shelly for your and the children loss. He was a wonderful man. Always smiling and joking around. He will be solely missed. Prayers going up for you and the family.
Chris Amos says
January 12, 2021 at 8:49 amI am so very sorry for your loss. When I first arrived at the NSO, Master Deputy Kralik was one of the first members of the NSO that welcomed me. He was always good for an interesting conversation whenever our paths crossed. I will miss dearly those conversations. I will be lifting the Kralik Family in prayer, as will my church. May God pour out His all consuming grace on each one of you during this tragic season. May you find peace even in the midst of this horrific storm.
Lillian says
January 12, 2021 at 11:03 amMy heart is so heavy right now. Just finding out of Thomas passing away crushed me. Shelly I know you are a strong person and with the help of the almighty you will get through this grief in your own time. Thomas was a great man. I remember when you guys met. His legacy will live on thru you and his children. God Bless his soul and God Bless you and the family
Kathy Church says
January 12, 2021 at 9:46 amShelly my heart breaks for you and your family. Praying that God pours out his grace on you and wraps his loving arms around you during this time. May your husband Rest In Peace. I am here for you if you need anything.
Lillian says
January 12, 2021 at 11:01 amMy heart is so heavy right now. Just finding out of Thomas passing away crushed me. Shelly I know you are a strong person and with the help of the almighty you will get through this grief in your own time. Thomas was a great man. I remember when you guys met. His legacy will live on thru you and his children. God Bless his soul and God Bless you and the family
Chante’ Byrd says
January 12, 2021 at 11:11 amSending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sandy Pomeroy says
January 13, 2021 at 2:35 pmI am so terribly sorry for your loss. this isn’t an easy road but God see’s us through. You and your family are in my prayers. Sending hugs your way
Leslie Garrett says
January 13, 2021 at 5:01 pmMaster Deputy Kralik, what a wonderful man to have in the jail setting. You were always so helpful with a big smile on your face. I am sure you instilled a lot of hope and pride in the inmates you worked along side. You were so quick to help when we got the medical office fixed up. My heart goes out to your family, friends, and co-workers. You really will be missed. I’m so very sorry.
April says
January 14, 2021 at 7:12 amShelly my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. If you need anything please let me know.
Chaplain Corps Norfolk Police Department says
January 14, 2021 at 8:30 amOur Hearts and Prayers are with the family
From the Chaplains Corps
Norfolk Police department
Rebekah Clarke says
January 14, 2021 at 9:08 amThomas will be dearly missed. I will always wish we could have cruised with both of you. I’m so sorry for your loss and will hold your family in our prayers.
Lance says
January 14, 2021 at 2:03 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. I pray for peace for the entire family. Master Deputy Kralik was most definitely a great guy and always had me laughing. He will be missed.
Rita Bell says
January 14, 2021 at 5:33 pmI am so very sorry for your families loss. Praying for you all. Our boys went to ADL together and still keep in touch. Please let us know if you all need anything!
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