DC plane crash brings back memories for TPA chaplain who lost brother, family in Air Florida crash

For Tampa International Airport Chaplain Joseph Krzanowski, Wednesday’s plane crash near Washington D.C. brings back old memories. 

"The families are the ones that were waiting for someone to come home," Krzanowski said. "They’re waiting on the other end to make sure they got there safely and all of the sudden they hear a news report that the plane had crashed."

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The backstory:

He was on the other end when his brother Ed, his wife, niece and nephew died in the Air Florida crash in the Potomac River in 1982. 

"My mother said to me a mother knows. I know they were all on that flight, and I know God called them all because they shared so much love as a family that God wouldn’t call them any other way," Krzanowski explained. 

When they got the news, there was no one to talk to. It’s one of the reasons he chose to become an airport chaplain. 

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"I had someone approach me saying we’re looking for people who would be airport chaplains, and I said ‘you know I had my own experience with tragedy, and perhaps I could be of help to people,’" Krzanowski said. 

Pictured: Joseph Krzanowski, a TPA chaplain. 

Krzanowski was ordained a deacon for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1987, just five years after the Air Florida crash. He’s been a Chaplain at the airport for the last 13 years.

Local perspective:

When he learned about the plane crash over the Potomac River Wednesday night, he said his phone started going off. 

"As the crash happened, I had people from the family of Air Florida making comments that we pray for those experiencing this difficulty because it is difficult," he said. 

The chaplain said the grief really never goes away. 

MORE: Air traffic control audio in DC plane crash captures moments around collision

"Families are going through not believing this happened. Even myself, there have been times, and it’s 43 years, that I wake up and say ‘did that really happen or was that a dream.’"

Big picture view:

However, the families should know they don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. 

"There’s a time to grieve. It’s okay to be saddened and upset. How would your loved one want you to go on and go forward," Krzanowski explained. 

The Source: The information in this story was gathered through an interview with TPA Chaplain Joseph Krzanowski. 

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