Bob Krzywicki devoted his life to educating students - spending the majority as a teacher in the Panther Valley School District.

Krzywicki, who died on Saturday following an illness, was known universally among students and colleagues as a teacher motivated by a deep caring for his students.

“He said, ‘it’s important to show the kids we truly care about them.’ That he did,” recalled school board member Renee DeMelfi. “I rarely saw him without a smile.”

Krzywicki came to Panther Valley in 1985, after more than a decade teaching in Nanticoke.

Over his 30-plus years in the school district, he served as a Title I reading teacher, Title I coordinator, and sixth-grade English and Language Arts teacher. He was also a husband, father, grandfather and step-great-grandfather.

Krzywicki enjoyed teaching his students about books such as “Tuck Everlasting” and “Freak the Mighty.”

Panther Valley Intermediate School Principal Lisa Mace recalled how Krzywicki relied on his vast experience to teach his students. He could hold the focus of a classroom while speaking without notes.

“He knew his stuff. Whatever question was asked, he could always explain it, and justify his response,” Mace said.

Fellow sixth-grade English teacher Julie Gower recalled how Krzywicki was always open to sharing his guidance and wit. While she might have been anxious about new changes and uncertainty in the field of education, Krzywicki had seen enough to know that they could both adapt.

“It started with him being a mentor, and ended with him being a friend,” she said.

As the news of his death circulated this week, former students wrote memorials online. Many said that he was a kind teacher who believed in them when they needed it.

Gower said that few would know that Krzywicki was actually from Luzerne County and not the Panther Valley. Over the years, he taught generations of the same families and became a familiar face to most people in the area.

“No matter where you go in the Panther Valley School District, someone will know him. Either they were taught by him, or a family member had him,” she said.

Former Panther Valley Superintendent Dennis Kergick called Krzywicki a true educator who will be missed.

“He was a force, the gentleman could have retired years ago but he remained steadfast in his commitment to the students and the staff,” Kergick said.

When the pandemic hit, many experienced teachers decided it was a good time to enter retirement.

Not Krzywicki. Though he had more than 40 years of experience, the Panther Valley Intermediate School teacher committed to adapting to teaching students online and with restrictions in place.

“He didn’t shy away from the challenge. He ended up learning things before a lot of younger teachers did,” Gower said.