Donald John Kruk

Donald John Kruk, 71, died unexpectedly on August 17, 2026. He was born in Queens, New York, on April 9, 1955, to Robert and Madeleine Kruk. Don and his twin brother, Mark, were the firstborn of ten children. He spent much of his childhood and early adulthood in San Bernardino, California, where his love of sports became an important part of his life. He attended the University of California, Riverside, where he joined the football team as a walk-on linebacker. Don remained active throughout his life and especially enjoyed jogging and weightlifting. On December 18, 1981, he married the love of his life, Robin. Together, they shared nearly 45 years of marriage and raised their two children, Nicolas and Cristina.

Don and Robin later made Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, their home for 26 years. There, his love of football grew into a lifelong devotion to the Pittsburgh Steelers. More importantly, it was during these years that Don’s faith in Jesus Christ became increasingly central to the way he lived and served others. As a member of Victory Family Church, he served faithfully in many different ministries, including children’s ministry, youth ministry, the prayer team, and Victory Groups. When Don and Robin later moved to North Carolina in 2021, his commitment to serving God and others continued. At NewHope Church, Don served on the prayer team, led numerous life groups and men’s ministry groups, and joined Robin in marriage ministry and mentoring.

Don’s ministry also extended far beyond the walls of the church. For more than two decades, he woke each morning at 5:00 a.m. to send daily Scripture messages and devotionals to hundreds of people, faithfully encouraging others through God’s Word. What began as a simple daily message became one of the defining ministries of his life, reaching family, friends, and people far beyond his immediate circle with the hope of Jesus. Don was generous with both his time and resources. He delivered meals each week through Meals on Wheels, prayed for and counseled countless people, and always looked for opportunities to help those in need. He also traveled abroad to serve on mission trips, including trips to Africa and the Dominican Republic. His family finds comfort in knowing that the faith he spent his life sharing with others has now become sight and that he is home with Jesus.

At home, Don was a playful and affectionate father and grandfather who treasured time with his family. He loved taking his grandchildren to the pool, caring for them, driving them to sports practices, being present for their important moments, and making goofy jokes that often amused him more than anyone else. To his family, his greatest legacy will not simply be what he accomplished, but the way he consistently showed up for the people he loved and the faith he lived out before them.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Robin; his two children, Nicolas and Cristina; his seven grandchildren, David, Mariana, Johnathan, Gabriela, Elias, Judah, and Isabela; his brothers, Mark, Patrick, Steven, and Andrew; and his sisters, Elisabeth and Susanne. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Madeleine, and his brothers, Robert, Jimmy, and Richard.

A time for viewing and fellowship will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 28th, 2026 at NewHope Church, located at 7619 Fayetteville Road, Durham, North Carolina. A Christian Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 28, 2026, at NewHope Church. Immediately following the service, a reception will take place at the church. A private family burial will follow the reception at Raleigh Memorial Park.

For those traveling to Durham from out of town, please see below details regarding accommodating and the airport. 

Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint: 7007 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC 27713 Phone: (919) 544-6000

Hyatt Place Durham/Southpoint: 7840 NC-751, Durham, NC 27713 Phone: (919) 688-7800

Nearest airport: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

The Kruk Family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service; online condolences may be made at www.hallwynne.com/obituaries.