Melting pot of Philadelphians pay respects to Joan Krajewski

Former Philadelphia City Councilwoman Joan Krajewski is being laid to rest today. 

People from all different walks of life came to pay their respects to Joan Krajewski at Givnish Funeral Home in Northeast Philadelphia, including dump truck driver Catherine Zampitella.

“A fighter for the people the people everywhere,” said Zampitella. “She’s a Richmondite. She’s the coolest chick I ever know that came out of Richmond.”

Former Councilman Dan McElhatton says Krajewski mirrored the people she represented.

“She was what she was and she called it as she saw it.  You may not always agree with her but you respected the fact that she stood her position.

Former Mayor John Street also paid his respects.

“She was the prototype district council person,” said Street. “She understood her job in city council to protect her district and the interests of her people and she did that with a sense of commitment that was almost unparalleled.”

Krajewski began her political career as a Republican Committeewoman, switching parties to support former Mayor Frank Rizzo.  Philadelphia GOP general council Michael Meehan described her as a woman with the fortitude to make tough decisions.

 

“All she was interested in was the city and the people of the Sixth (Councilmatic) District.”  “She was a crucial vote on many budgets when the city was in crisis and she had the fortitude to make the tough decisions and that’s what she did.”

Others called her a legend who will be missed in Philadelphia politics.

Krajewski died last week after an extended illness. She was 79.