"I attended Dobbins and Krug was the finest example of what the world has to offer"
In loving memory of
Richard C. Krug
June 7, 1938 - September 12, 2020
Richard C. Krug of Ambler, PA, died peacefully on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at Jeanes Hospital in Philadelphia. He was 82 years old.
Born and raised in the Olney section of Philadelphia, Rich was the son of the late Charles and Virginia (Ecker) Krug.
Rich was a graduate of Murrell Dobbins High School and Temple University where he also received his master's degree.
Mr. Krug was the Print Shop Teacher and Shop Coordinator at the Murrell Dobbins Career and Technical Education High School for 34 years until his retirement in 2001.
However, he mentored his students not only in the classroom but on the basketball court, baseball diamond, and football field. He coached both girls and boys teams and ran a morning intramural boys basketball program for years. Dobbins was like a second home to Rich, and he loved his students, many of whom he helped to find jobs in the various vocations offered at the school. He cherished his memories as a teacher and coach. He made lasting friendships with his colleagues at Dobbins.
Not only did Rich love teaching and coaching, but he also loved his church family. He was a dedicated and involved member of Cedar Grove Church on Rising Sun and Tabor Road for almost 60 years. He was an active teen in Christian Endeavor and attended all the activities with his younger brother, Joe. He made countless loyal friends at these church events and at the age of eighteen met his wife, Jane Phillips. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in February 2020. Rich held many positions in the church: elder, deacon, treasurer, Sunday school teacher and director of the church's annual Labor Day retreat at Camp Saginaw. He was also on the school board of Cedar Grove Christian Academy and faithfully served alongside the other board members for years.
After moving to Ambler, Rich joined the Church of the Open Door where he made many new and godly friends.
Rich had many side jobs. As a boy, he had a paper route and sold groceries from his uncle's truck. When he was older, depending on the season, he umpired or refereed at least 4 to 8 games a week. Then in the wee hours of the night, he worked on a Linotype machine for the Philadelphia Bulletin or the Philadelphia Inquirer or at Lee's, a friend's print shop. In the summer, he spent over a month delivering telephone books door to door, employing his daughters and nephews.
In his spare time, Rich watched sports. He loved the Phillies and had season tickets for years. Every summer, Rich worked at the FAN FEST and traveled all over the United States visiting all the major baseball stadiums. While watching baseball, he sorted his baseball cards. Collecting baseball memorabilia and cards was a life-long hobby. He was very proud of his collection and loved showing it off.
Rich was also known for his sense of humor. He loved to play practical jokes on his wife, daughters, students, co-workers and friends. April Fool's Day was one of his favorite days as a trickster.
Rich was friendly. He had countless friends and acquaintances from all circles of his life. Once a friend, he was a friend for life and tried to stay in touch with his friends with visits and phone calls.
However, what Rich was proudest of was his family. He loved to spend time with his wife, Jane, and their three daughters: Jane, Ellen and Mary, and two sons in law, Steve and John. He had a special and unique relationship with his three granddaughters and three grandsons and constantly bragged of their accomplishments. Three years ago, he became a great grandfather. His second great grandson was born in 2020.
Rich was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. He, along with the sparkle in his blue eyes, his sunburnt face, his infamous whistle, his stacks of baseball hats, and lunches at Cracker Barrel, and daily phone calls will be greatly missed. His legacy of putting God first, his family second and his friends a close third is a practice his family hopes to continue.
Rich is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Jane (nee Phillips) Krug. He is the loving father of Jane M. Quigley and her husband Steven, of Philadelphia; Ellen K. Benbow and her husband John of Ambler, and Mary E. Krug of Ambler. He is the dear grandfather of Steven Robert Quigley, Rachel Semekor (Vincent), Laura Quigley, John Andrew Benbow (Abigail), Ellen Claire Benbow, Evan Robert Benbow, and great grandfather of Jace and Jayden Semekor.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at the Church of the Open Door, 1260 Fort Washington Ave. Fort Washington, PA 19034. Rich's Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 AM.
Remembrances in his name to
Cedar Grove Christian Academy
6445 Bingham Street
Philadelphia, PA 19111
http://www.cgca.org/
Word of Life Fellowship
PO BOX 600,
Schroon Lake NY 12870
https://give.wol.org/
would be appreciated by the family.
Please note that Face Masks and Social Distancing is required at Church by COVID protocols.
Tributes and photos may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com
Tributes
"I attended Dobbins and Krug by far was not the best teacher but a outstanding example of the best the world has to offer."
"I am a 1975 graduate of Dobbins Tech. Although I did not have any classes or was in Mr. Krug's Print Shop, I vividly remember how popular he was with the students who interacted with him. The few times I saw him or talked with him I never witnessed the absence of a smile or joy. My sincere condolence go to his wife Jane and the Krug family. I send with love, Rick Vinson, TSgt., USAF - Ret., Class of 1975."
"This was a real shock when I read Debbie Colliers request for food for the funeral. Rich was one of the first people I met when I came to Cedar Grove - before I began the school year at the Academy, I enjoyed a the Labor Day Retreat at Saginaw. I have many fond memories associated with the school, the church, and the Labor Day Retreat. My prayers are with you, Jane. and the daughters Jane, Ellen, and Mary - all students of mine at the Academy. Transitions and adaptations now that there is "an empty place at the table" are not easy. God is faithful, and I will faithfully pray for you during the days ahead."
"I coached varsity baseball for almost 40 years in Philly. Rich was the absolute best umpire I ever saw. Every time I saw his name come up on my game umpire list, I was delighted and warned my players that there would be none of the usual excuses for "bad calls." Rich never made a truly bad call and never failed to put the kids first. Only umpire in Philly that I thought of as a friend. Miss him already. "
"I was saddened to hear of Rich's passing.We worked together for 35 years as teachers and Trade Coordinators.He had a great sense of humor and was always willing to help anyone who needed it.I have many fond and funny memories of Rich.He will be missed.My deepest sympathy to his family. Atley & Rita Natalone"
"Steven- just heard about dad the Kruger?loved that guy?i just spoke with him for a good 20 minutes just a few weeks ago?we went to NYC on the train for fanfest as well as phils games, iron pigs, reading and Lakewood?miss him greatly?he spoke so proudly of all the time..especiallly last fall when he came to your game at central where i was game manager?. Rich Weiss"
"So sorry for the passing of Rich. He helped me when I needed a Umpire for my church softball league . I came over his house to share some phillies memorabilia. He was a great person and will be missed "
"Lillian Dickson on Sept. 17, 2020 Rich for many years was a dear friend to my husband, Dick. They both handled the finances at Cedar Grove Church for many years. When my husband passed away fifteen years ago, Rich became a faithful friend to me. He called me regularly to see how I was doing and assisted me when making decisions. He said that if he had gone to heaven first, he knew my husband would be there for Jane. It makes me smile when I think of their reunion in heaven. Our loss is heaven's gain."
"Rich was an outstanding gentleman who truly loved Dobbins . He will be remembered by all staff & students who had the pleasure to work with him . He was involved in every aspect of the school and displayed a witty and sincere concern for everyone. He inspired students and facilitated many of their careers . May his family find comfort in knowing he was loved by all. Rest In Peace Krug! "
"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Rich Krug...... a man who made things happen in the best of ways. He found time for anyone who needed his help and was always ready with solutions that resulted in positive outcomes. He was devoted to his students' needs and our Dobbins family. I'm grateful for the decades of having Rich as a colleague and friend. I'll miss you "Kruger". Condolences to his family. Robert and Patricia Mueller"