C aptain Richard W. "Dick" Krom, USN retired, 78, formerly of Niantic died at his home in Old Lyme Feb. 11, 2022.
Born to Addison and Norma Krom Oct. 8, 1943, he grew up in Roann, Indiana. Following high school, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1961 and graduated in 1965.
Captain Krom served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years. He commanded the USS Kamehameha Blue Crew (1981-1985) and Trident Command and Control System Maintenance Activity in Newport, R.I. (1985-1987). He served as Chief of Staff, Commander Submarines Mediterranean in Naples, Italy (1988-1991).
Upon Retirement, Dick focused on helping others. He was coordinator of the Care and Share Soup Kitchen in Groton for 20 years. In 1999, Dick founded Malta, Inc. to help those who are homeless in Southeastern Connecticut. He served as its President for 20 years.
Dick leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Pamela (Cline) Krom; and three children, Laura (Michael) Michaud, Kyle (Maureen) Krom, and Kevin (Ilene) Krom; ten grandchildren, Olivia (Josh) Patterson, Samuel (Brittany) Michaud, Caleb and Nate Michaud, Daniel, Rachel, and Simon Krom, Kate, Matt, and Allison Krom, and two great-granddaughters, Valerie and Vanessa Michaud. In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by granddaughter, Elise Michaud. Dick is also survived by his siblings, Tom (Bonnie) Krom, Joe (Anita) Krom, Jane (Ken) Jackson, John (Liz) Krom, and Susan Jahn.