Most students from the Edison High School class of 1983 probably do not remember Col. John Kritzar, director of the Edison Planetarium and Astronomy teacher. I first met Col. Kritzar during field trips to the Edison Planetarium when I was an elementary school student at Rose Hill Elementary School. He always took the time to answer my questions about astronomy and encouraged me to learn more about it. The black and white photo was probably taken during that era, the time that I have affectionately termed my "wonder years."
In high school, I was fortunate enough to often see Col Kritzar in the hallways and spoke to him quite frequently. It was especially cool for me, as a high school student, to see Col. Kritzar riding home on his motorcycle, just like a youngster. I would often joke with him about his mode of transportation.
I was overjoyed to get him for a teacher during my senior year when I took Astronomy class. It was here I really got to know what an accomplished man he was in his life. His stories about his career in the US Air Force as a celestial navigator were fascinating and exciting.
After high school, I kept in touch with Col. Kritzar and his wife Vera. He often spoke about how he missed teaching, which he had to retire from due to his hearing condition. His health started failing in the early to mid 1990s, but he continued to fight his illness and played racquetball to stay in shape, quite an inspiration to anyone.
In 1996, my wife, daughter, father, and I had the pleasure of going to the Kritzar home and meeting his wife Vera. The color photo of Col. Kritzar was taken at this time.
Over the next few years, we kept in frequent telephone contact. I would often tell him about my astronomical observations, my children, and my life after high school. He derived great pleasure from a former student keeping in touch with him, as his wife would later tell me.
While on travel for work during March, 2001, I received the news from my parents that Col. Kritzar had passed away. It was difficult news to hear, and even harder to imagine.
I attended his funeral in March of 2001. As a fitting tribute to this man, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in recognition of the many years of devoted service he had given our country.
It was my intention to introduce you to this man who was a astronomical influence in my life. Now, I hope you know John W. Kritzar a little better as well.
His kind and gentle-natured spirit will always be a part of the universe.
-David Abbou, September 4, 2003.