[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ANTHONY B. KRUPSKI, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 17, 2018

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 
extraordinary life and legacy of Mr. Anthony B. Krupski, Jr. who passed 
away on July 1, 2018 at the age of 76.
   Born in Buffalo and raised in Cheektowaga, Anthony Kruspski first 
heard music in his home as his dad played the accordion and became his 
son's first teacher. Tony's passion for this unique instrument and his 
family led him to start his own band at just age 17. This polka band, 
Krew Brothers, would grow to include all six of his brothers.
   This proud son with strong Polonia roots picked the perfect name for 
what would become one of the country's leading polka bands as ``Krew,'' 
means blood in the Polish language. Having kept his family united after 
his Mother's passing, Tony would lead his band of brothers to great 
heights as they appeared on national television, performed at 
gatherings in Western New York and toured extensively to major polka 
conventions and festivals throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Their 
hits, including the Birds 'n Bees Polka, The Thing Polka, Michael 
Polka, Judy Polka, New Father Polka and the Babcia & Deidamia Polka, 
were recorded over four albums, three on their own private label.
   Tony remained an in-demand musician even after the Krew Brothers 
disbanded as he played with ``Full Circle'' and was as much as an 
attraction as the traditional food stands as he entertained thousands 
of shoppers visiting the legendary Buffalo Broadway Market during the 
Easter season. His sound helped enhance the authenticity of the 
Forgotten Buffalo Tours and lifted the spirits of nursing home 
residents as he shared his talents with those whose memories of polka 
parties remained strong.
   Always a hard worker, Tony's dedication to his family extended to 
his decades of work as a stationery engineer in both the private and 
public sectors.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in expressing our deepest 
condolences to his wife, Marie, his children, grandchildren, family, 
friends and legions of fans as we commemorate the musical contributions 
of the first Krew Brother, Anthony Krupski, Jr.

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