Just hours after the highly successful annual Michigan Maritime Trades Port Council golf outing, PMC members learned of the passing of its president, Ron Krochmalny, 79.
Krochmalny took part in the day-long activities on September 16 from greeting union members in the morning to presenting prizes in the late afternoon. Shortly after the event wrapped up, he was taken to a local hospital where he passed away.
“He died doing what he loved,” recalled PMC Secretary-Treasurer Todd Brdak. “He was with the members, telling stories and catching up on the latest news and gossip. We all are in shock.”
Krochmalny was a 56-year member of Millwrights Local 1102, having joined in 1960. He served his local in a variety of roles including as Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters political director and fund trustee. He was elected the PMC president in January 1999. Earlier this year, he was appointed to the board of the Detroit Port Authority.
“He was always the first person in the room when we held our annual executive board meetings and our conventions,” noted MTD President Michael Sacco. “He was very involved. We will miss him very much.”