Retired renaissance man

Photo by Brittany M. Solo, Daily Forty-Niner
Former engineer John Krylo gets his hands dirty by taking ceramics classes at Cal State Long Beach.

Twelve years ago, 77-year-old John Krylo retired from the aerospace industry. Today he is a busy student attending three different schools.

Every Monday, Krylo has a photography class at Cypress Community College. Tuesdays through Thursdays he takes ceramic and enameling classes at Cal State Long Beach, where he said he enjoys creating ceramic pots. Finally, on Friday, Krylo attends welding and machine shop classes at Western High School in Anahiem.

School is not new for Krylo. He has earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in engineering. With 28 years of experience as a production engineer for Rockwell, why would this man return to school?

"If I just sit at home not doing anything, I feel like it is a waste of time. I would rather be taking classes," Krylo said. Krylo rides his bicycle to school every day from his home in Anaheim. The ride to CSULB is 12 miles, adding to the average 100 miles that he bikes weekly.

When Krylo is not on his bike or in class, his time is occupied by his family. He has been married 47 years, has five children and 11 grandchildren.