Kenneth Arden Kroos, 71

December 14, 2022

Kenneth Arden Kroos, 71, of West Chester, passed away peacefully with family at his side at Lankenau Hospital on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. Born in Elmore, OH, he was the son of the late Henry and Sara (Overmeyer) Kroos. He was the loving husband of Kathleen Ann (Wright) Kroos. Together, they shared almost 47 years of marriage.

Ken grew up in Elmore, OH and graduated from Woodmore High School 1969. He went on to study at University of Toledo, earning a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical and Biological Transport. He worked as a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Villanova University for 42 years. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and served a term as Vice President. He was a beloved member of the faculty and a favorite among his students. He was also a devout Catholic and was a very active member of St. Andrew’s Church in Drexel Hill for many years, serving as a Cantor, Lector, and Choir member before moving to West Chester and participating at Saints Peter & Paul Parish.

Ken was an introvert with a dry sense of humor. He was quick wit and a great person to sit with and observe. He loved travelling with his wife, Kathleen, and went on many a cruise to anywhere from The Mediterranean to Alaska. He was a lover of books, especially Science Fiction and Historical Fiction. He was an avid Model builder and collector. He instilled in his children a love of Star Wars, Star Trek, and all things Fantasy.

In addition to his wife, Kathleen, Ken is survived by his children Jillian L. Kroos, John K. Kroos and his wife Lindsey W. Kroos, and Joseph Kroos; and his sister, Barbara Pasty; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Norman Kroos, and sister Margaret “Peggy” Shirk.

Services will take place at Saints Peter and Paul Parish, 1325 Boot Road, West Chester, PA 19380 on Thursday, January 5, 2023. A Visitation will start at 10:00 AM and service will immediately follow at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Chester Food Cupboard at www.westchesterfoodcupboard.org or at 431 S Bolmar St., West Chester, PA 19382; The Villanova College of Engineering Fund at www.villanova.edu or 800 E Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085; or to the Harris-Elmore Public Library at https://www.harriselmorelibrary.org/ or 328 Toledo Street PO Box 45, Elmore, OH 43416.