Dennis Kroko

Dennis Kroko passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 24, 1946, in Sharon, PA, to the late Michael and Mary Ellen (Mihalcin) Kroko. He grew up on a farm in South Pymatuning Township, PA, and loved the rural life.

Dennis graduated from Sharpsville High School in 1964. He worked at the Westinghouse for a short time and attended Edinboro State College before enlisting in the Army in 1967. In 1968 and 1969, he served in Viet Nam earning the rank of Spec 5. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Dennis drove truck for McClean Trucking for about a year and a half, and then took a job in Ashtabula, OH, as credit manager at W.T. Grant. In 1976, he matriculated from Youngstown University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He went on to work at Air Products in Reynolds, PA, as a chemist before moving to Tustin, CA in 1978 to work with his brother at Leonard J. Kroko Laboratory in the semi-conductor industry. After getting settled in CA, Dennis completed a pharmacy technology course at Santa Ana College. In 1984, he started working for Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach. CA, as a pharmacy tech. In later years, he went on to become the pharmacy buyer for Hoag Hospital and worked there for 41 years. Dennis had a strong work ethic, took pride in contributing to the greater good, and enjoyed the company of his co-workers. He happily worked well past the age when many would have retired.

Dennis was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Sharon, PA. After moving to CA, he became a member of Holy Family Cathedral, now known as Holy Family Catholic Church in Orange, CA.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, the former Evelyn Kendzor, and three children; daughter, Kate Kroko of Anchorage, AK; two sons, Andrew Kroko of Anaheim, and Daniel Kroko of Santa Ana; two sisters, Patricia Evans of Quincy, CA, and Michaelene (Larry) McCahan of Everett, PA; his beloved cat, Miss Kitty; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by three sisters, Dorothy, Leona, and Theresa Kroko; two brothers, Joseph, and Leonard Kroko; sisters-in-law, Emilie Kroko, and Dorothy Kroko; brother-in-law, Raymond Evans; and two nephews, who were also his godsons, Krs Evans, and Peter Kroko.

Dennis was a traditional, salt of the earth kind of person. He especially enjoyed riding motorcycles, listening to jazz and blues music, and following the stock market. He had a vast knowledge about cars and an interest in equipment of all kinds. Dennis prided himself on knowing how to fix things, most of which he learned holding the flashlight for his father. His family was of 100% Slovak descent, and he was very proud of his heritage. Dennis loved his family and felt his greatest accomplishment was raising three caring, principled, and accomplished children. He felt blessed that he was able to have an adult relationship with them before he passed. Dennis was a good man, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Calling hours will be on Monday, 12/8/25, from 5 to 9 pm, at Saddleback Chapel, 220 E. Main St., Tustin, CA 92780. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, 12/9/25, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 566 South Glassell St., Orange, CA 92866. There will be a Celebration of Life for Dennis at Hoag Hospital Chapel on Dec, 11th at 3:00 pm, 1 Hoag Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92663. He will be honored with a flag at half-staff atop the hospital that day.