Jack J. Crytzer 1930-2025

He was born Jan. 20, 1930, in Youngstown, to Guy Montieth Crytzer and Winifred Jardine Crytzer. He was the beloved and devoted husband to his wife of more than 70 years, Georgia Belle Wright Crytzer, proudly pointing out that they met in the fourth grade, making them friends and confidants for over 85 years. She said many times that “Jack was always the perfect gentleman.”

He also leaves behind three children, John (Eileen) Crytzer of Florida, Sandra (Richard) Moore of North Carolina and Robert (Linda) Crytzer of Indiana; grandson, Matthew Crytzer of Indiana; along with many bonus grands, Kevin, Ryan, Nikki, Joshua, Devon and Hannah; and many bonus great-grands that loved him too. He and Georgia enjoyed traveling and visiting all of them as much as possible, sharing love and laughter with everyone.

He also leaves behind his sister, Joan Crytzer Everette of Youngstown; and sister-in-law, Elva Easton of Poland; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins whom he cared for and they all loved and admired him, sharing memories of family gatherings, friendships and much kindness throughout the years.

Jack graduated from Boardman High School and then went on to Youngstown State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He also earned an apprenticeship alongside his (future) father-in-law, George D. Wright of Wright Painters, learning the art of painting, wallpapering and beautifying home interiors in Youngstown.

He was in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War, which ended at that time.

He and Georgia were married Oct. 16, 1954. He was a good provider, choosing a career with US Steel Corporation for 29 years, with the first 26 in the Youngstown area at McDonald Works in production planning, then transferring to Gary Works in Gary, Indiana, moving the family to Schererville, Indiana, in 1980. After retiring from US Steel, he landed a job in Crown Point, Indiana, at Southlake Steel.

As a young father, Jack was a Cub Scout leader and Little League baseball coach. He also enjoyed his cars, an example being the 1970 Cutlass Oldsmobile convertible, which we all took turns cruising the town (or through Mill Creek Park). He enjoyed the outdoors, playing golf with his colleagues and was in a bowling league. He was very proud of his Scottish heritage; you would see him wearing a plaid vest or plaid sweats whenever possible. He loved music and we had great times singing, dancing and laughing together. He also loved going to baseball games (Chicago White Sox fan!) and watching the Bulls or Ohio State win.

He was a member of Christ Church in Youngstown, Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Schererville, Indiana, and First Presbyterian Church in Crown Point, Indiana. He was in the choir, which we enjoyed as a family for many years. He was also a deacon, an elder and a trustee, helping as a fix-it man on church grounds.

Retiring to Florida, Jack made sure that the family would all visit each other. He and Georgia would drive up to visit all of us and we would travel to be with them. As the years went by, our new favorite saying was, “We’re as close as the phone,” because it became harder to be with each other.

We want to share a very special quote from Matthew about his Grandpa …”I will always cherish the love, support and guidance that he’s given me … that he loved me and was always glad to hear my voice … the life you lived will always be remembered and used as an example of how to be a good person and to never give up on what you love.”

This is how he would want all of us to remember him. So, fly high with the angels, Jack, dear husband, dad, grandpa and overall great guy … we all see you smiling … driving your convertible, wind in your hair … with Georgie by your side … you will be greatly missed and you were truly loved by us all.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to hospice or plant a tree in Jack’s name. He would really like this since he loved being outside.

(special notice)