By: K. Michelle Moran | Grosse Pointe Times | Published April 16, 2024
GROSSE POINTE SHORES — Some people wear multiple hats at work. Tom Krolczyk wore so many hats during his 25-year career at Grosse Pointe Shores that he would have needed an entire closet to house them.
Krolczyk — who was named assistant city manager by the Shores City Council in December 2020, after serving as the interim city manager for 15 months — also simultaneously held the titles of building inspector, election administrator, webmaster/IT specialist and harbormaster. After 25 years of working for the Shores, Krolczyk, 62, of St. Clair Shores, retired March 28.
He was also the Shores photographer, attending and helping out on his own time during evening and weekend city events like Shred Day and the popular Halloween Boo-Fest, Beautification Advisory Committee Chair Helen Bai said. Some of Krolczyk’s photos appeared in the city’s annual calendar.
“From the day he walked in here, he did everything,” Bai said. “Every event the village had, he was there. And he wasn’t getting paid (to be there). He’s just there with the biggest smile, and a joke. I’ve never seen him angry. … I’m his biggest fan, but I’m not — the whole village is.”
Residents, past and present Shores employees, elected officials and others turned out in droves to celebrate Krolczyk during a retirement party March 27 at Shores City Hall, including former Shores City Manager Mark Wollenweber.
“Tom was Mr. Everything for the city,” Wollenweber said. “He certainly filled in for me after I left. He’s going to be missed.”
After Wollenweber retired in October 2019, Krolczyk was named interim city manager, a post he held until current City Manager Stephen Poloni took over in January 2021. To recognize the vital role Krolczyk played in managing the city, he was appointed assistant city manager in December 2020.
“It’s obviously a very bittersweet day in Grosse Pointe Shores, as we’re losing our friend,” Poloni said.
Shores resident, former Village Council member and former risk management adviser Bill O’Keefe presented Krolczyk with a proclamation from state Sen. Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores.
“(He’s) just a very dedicated employee that has fulfilled many different roles in government and exceeded everyone’s expectations,” said O’Keefe, noting that it was tough for the city to see Krolczyk leave.
Krolczyk, who grew up in East Detroit — now Eastpointe — came to work for the Shores in November 1999, after he served as the maintenance supervisor for the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club for 17 years and briefly worked for the Country Club of Detroit in Grosse Pointe Farms. He was initially hired as a member of the Shores Department of Public Works but became an administrator in November 2003, where he was an “integral part of the city’s day-to-day operation,” Mayor Ted Kedzierski said.
An emotional Krolczyk fought tears as he thanked attendees for coming.
“It’s a huge loss,” Kedzierski said after the party. “He was so proficient at so many different things.”
Kedzierski added that while he was sad for the city, he was happy for Krolczyk, who’ll be able to “spend more quality time with his family.”
Krolczyk and his wife, Linda — who was at the party — are the parents of three adult children, Justin, Rachel and Jackie.
“It’s been a great 25 years,” Krolczyk said.
He said he’d most miss his co-workers — a sentiment they echoed.
“He was always very supportive and encouraging to me,” Department of Public Works Director Mike Way said. “Just a great guy, great boss, great mentor, great friend.”
Shores Finance Officer/Treasurer Dale Krajniak said he’s glad he had a chance to work with Krolczyk.
“He’s got the right personality,” Krajniak said. “He’s got the talent. He takes the initiative to go out of his way to help people.”
Unlike most city clerks, Bruce Nichols isn’t a full-time city employee — he’s a volunteer. He acknowledged how invaluable Krolczyk has been to him during his tenure as city clerk.
“I couldn’t have done this job without him,” Nichols said. “He was the most universally useful person I’ve ever met. He can do anything. The guy is a man of a million municipal trades.”