Neil V. Krol Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Neil Vincent Krol was born on September 14, 1966 to Clare V. Krol and Leonard W. Krol at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago, IL. Neil was the 9th of nine children (the baby of the family). Neil was raised in Palos Hills, IL, and was educated at St. Patricia's (grammar school in Hickory Hills, IL) and St Laurence High School (in Burbank, IL) Although Neil's wishes were to attend the Naval Academy, he unfortunately was not able to do so due to some physical limitations after an accident that affected his back. Neil moved to Florida in August 1985, in search of some adventure. After trying to find himself, and trying to determine what he wanted to for the rest of his life, he happened upon employment with Hooters. Neil started working at Hooters at the lowest rungs, and diligently worked his way up, to corporate management in June 1997 to general manager by June 2001, and was the General Manager at the Original Hooters restaurant in Clearwater, FL at the time of his illness in March 2017. There was absolutely nothing more important to Neil than FAMILY and he was extremely proud of his children. Nothing made Neil light up more than to discuss and "brag" on his son Jakob, and daughters Rylee & Sydney. One could not walk away from a conversation with Neil chatting about his children, and not feel the love he had for them. Additionally, Neil was extremely devoted to his parents and his eight siblings. Neil made it a point to spend his vacation time heading back to Chicago for annual family get-togethers; such as Pierogi Fest (a 30 year Krol Family tradition) and the Annual Luau summer party, held in August (a family & friends get together) . Coming from a large family, one can only image the rivalry, caretaking of each another (and at times chaos), and independence needed to survive the craziness. While Neil may not have always agreed with the actions and choices made by others, he was always the voice that said, "Never give up on Family." Although firm with his nephews, nieces and employees from his Hooters family, he was a mentor, and at times a father figure to them; encouraging all to achieve their goals, and recognizing their successes. In short he was their biggest cheerleader. Neil's positive can do attitude along with his wit and humor, made him a success and had a lasting impact on many. A devoted to fan to his beloved Chicago Bears (he had the opportunity to go to the Bears/Colts Super Bowl in 2007), the Chicago White Sox (he went to Game 2 of the 2005 World Series between the White Sox and the Astro's) and the Chicago Blackhawks. During his son Jakob's youth, Neil was a troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America. During this time Neil fell in love with the outdoors. He was able to continue his love of the outdoors at his friend David Pfeil's ranch (affectionately called the "Why Not Ranch" in Madill, OK). Neil's last trip away from his house was at this ranch in February 2018. The Why Not ranch was his self- proclaimed; "Favorite Place on Earth" Neil is survived by his son Jakob Krol (born 1997), daughters Rylee Krol (born 2000) and Sydney Krol (born 2006) of Clearwater Florida, his brothers Bruce Krol (Sofia-Belleair, FL), Glen Krol (Johnna-Alvin, TX), Mark Krol (Beverly-Phoenix, AZ), Jan Krol (Eglys-San Jose, Costa Rica), and his sisters Nancy Krol (Jolayne-Midlothian, IL) and Suzanne (nee Krol) White (the late Bob - Hickory Hills, IL) and numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces. Neil is pre-ceded in death by his parents Clare & Leonard and his brothers Paul Krol (Santa Fe, NM) and James Krol (Chicago, IL).

Neil V. Krol

September 14, 1966 - April 30, 2018