Obituaries
Dr. Ronald Vincent Krak, 62
August 05, 2020
On Wednesday, August 5, 2020, Dr. Ronald Vincent Krak, loving husband and father, passed away at age 62. He practiced medicine at Roseville Pediatrics for 33 years.
Dr. Krak was born January 21, 1958, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Dr. Michael and Mrs. Joan (Lesutis) Krak, and grew up in Munhall, PA, where his father practiced pediatrics. He graduated from Steel Valley High School in 1976, from the Pennsylvania State University in 1980, and from Penn State Hershey School of Medicine in 1984.
Dr. Krak and his wife, Lauren (McClune) Krak, were engaged on the day he graduated from medical school and married a year later on May 11, 1985. Lauren joined her husband in Ohio, where Dr. Krak was in his Pediatric Residency at Columbus Children’s Hospital, now Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Upon completion, they moved to Lancaster, PA, where he began his pediatric practice. They raised one daughter, Natalie Michelle, of Harrisburg, PA, married to Stephen Andrew Latanishen; and two sons, Louie Vincent, of New Haven, CT; and David Ronald, of Lititz.
Dr. Krak devoted his life to “the pursuit of excellence” in pediatrics. Known by his colleagues at Roseville Pediatrics as “The Professor,” he regularly wowed his partners with professional presentations on complex medical cases replete with dozens of references to journal articles for “further reading.” He never stopped learning and shared his wealth of knowledge as he taught pediatrics to Lancaster General Hospital residents for many years.
Careful, thorough, and knowledgeable, Dr. Krak was an excellent diagnostician. He was loved by his patients and their families, and some of their stories about how he cared for them may be found on the public Facebook page entitled, “Paging Dr Krak.” He had a cheerful smile and kind, caring manner about him. His mantra was also his father’s: “Always believe the mother.”
Dr. Krak also often demonstrated his faith and dependence on God by praying for and with his patients. He was a former member of ACTS Covenant Fellowship in Lancaster and more recently belonged to the Lititz Church of the Brethren where he took turns teaching the Lamplighter’s Sunday School Class. Dr. Krak had memorized many portions of the Bible, on which he relied for comfort and strength throughout his life.
Always present for his children, he documented their athletic events, musical events, and other interests with a professional camera that he brought to every event and family gathering. Dr. Krak loved his children and was extremely proud of each one of them. He was also very proud of his wife, Lauren, most recently for receiving her master’s degree in Spiritual and Pastoral Care from Loyola University.
Dr. Krak had other interests, including gardening, trumpet playing, and photography. He was a long-distance runner in high school and held the two-mile record for many years. In later years, he transitioned to riding bicycle, often biking for 25 miles or more at a clip. He thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful Lancaster County vistas along the way, often stopping to take pictures of the changing landscape and to snap a selfie to share with his family.
He was an avid Penn State Football fan and was often heard whistling the Penn State Fight Song. He also loved Pittsburgh sports teams and closely followed the Steelers and Penguins.
Dr. Krak was preceded in death by his parents. Besides his children and wife, he is survived by his older brother, Dr. Michael Krak of Carlsbad, CA; sister, Edith (Krak) Lowe of Pittsburgh, PA; and his twin brother, Dr. Robert M. Krak, DMD, along with eight nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.
Dr. Krak’s final wish was honored when he became an organ donor through the Gift of Life Program at LGH, turning his unexpected and accidental death into life and health for others with his final healing act. He will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to establish the “Dr Krak Mental Health Recovery Fund,” in order to help families navigate the mental health system for and with their loved one with mental illness, a much-needed service not currently offered in a comprehensive manner within Lancaster County. Mail checks to: MHALC (Mental Health America Lancaster County), 245 Butler Ave., Suite 024, Lancaster, PA 17601; in the memo section write, “Dr. Krak MH Recovery Fund.” Mental Health America in Lancaster County established a donation page for the Dr. Krak Mental Health Recovery Fund at https://www.classy.org/give/297110/#!/donation/checkout
Interment will be private, and a celebration of Dr. Krak’s life will be planned and announced in the future.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
May 24, 2021
Dear Lauren,
I don’t know if you will ever see this. I met you at the Susquehanna Chorale concert at Italian Lake on May 23, 2021. You sat next to our small group and shared with me the story of your beloved husband’s passing and your upcoming plans to trek to Glacier National Park in your 2017 RAV4 (good choice!) I also delivered Davie’s eyeglasses to the stage just before the performance so he could SEE during the concert! 🙂 As you finally are able to celebrate your husband’s life in August and then make that trip up north, my prayer is that you will never forget, but rather heal and remember! Feel free to email me sometime. I will probably run into you at some Susquehanna Chorale functions. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance! Bob Buyers
January 16, 2021
We lived on the same floor in Synder Hall at Penn State back in the day, and I was so sorry to hear of his passing in the Penn Stater. A man with a great sense of humor who loved the Lord. My condolences.
Ken Gilbert
October 31, 2020
Dr. Ronald Krak was the 1st Dr to see my daughter in the nic unit at lgh. He help my daughter Kelly and I through alot he listened to me . He saw he till the age of 21. She is severely handicapped. He was the only dr that took an interest in Kelly. When we would go to Roseville they would hete Kelly being loud in the hallway they kneeshe was coming . We were there 3xan week and he always joked she should get her own room there . My heart is breaking to here this news. Kelly now is 28. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family
Loribeth Hollinger
September 09, 2020
Dr. Krak saw my son twice after a series of hospital visits and in a period of unknown for my family. He listened to me intently and gave me such comfort in knowing that I was being truly listened to. In my conversations with him I felt that he had as much vested interest in my child and his health as I did. Dr. Krak, I hope that you know how much you have helped my family. Your absence is noted and deeply felt. We are thinking about you and the family.
Crista poff
September 02, 2020
Dr. Krak treated my son from age 6 to age 19. We are so grateful for his care during difficult illnesses. He always led us in the right direction. We will miss him very much. Our sincerest sympathy and condolences to his family. May the Lord strengthen and comfort you now and always.
Barbara Woodruff
September 02, 2020
We are deeply saddened to hear of the news of Dr. Krak’s passing. I am in shock and tears . He was a wonderful doctor and truly our favorite. He has been my boys’ doctor from the day after my oldest son was born 6 years ago. He was thorough and trustworthy and always with a friendly smile, the real kind. I had really looked forward to my boys growing up with him as their doctor. I have not told them, yet. While I feel at a loss I can not imagine the tremendous loss to you, his family. Talking about his daughter’s art brought a smile to his face and I remember I could see the sparkle of pride in his eyes. My deepest sympathies to Dr. Krak’s wife, children, family, all of his coworkers.
Jennifer Smith
September 02, 2020
Dr Krak saw my boys from the day they were born–he was a wonderful doctor and will be missed greatly. So sorry to his family for this loss
Mary Ellen Sharp
September 01, 2020
Lauren, wow I couldn’t believe the news when I heard. I’m sincerely sorry for your loss. Hold on tight to all the memories. You and your family will be in my prayers. Kirsten Lesutis
August 26, 2020
Dr. Krak provided care for my newborn son, at times for my two year old daughter, and for my five year old son. He was a great doctor and he was very kind. I am sorry for your loss.
Melissa Lemay
August 24, 2020
So very saddened to hear of your loss. Dr. Krak has been treating my son for ADHD since we moved to PA five years ago, and I always took great comfort in his expertise and thoroughness. I also greatly appreciated his interest in how I saw things as “the mom” because there is always so much that is unseen during the actual appointment. Thank you for sharing him and his contageous smile with our family. We will miss him very much. God bless.
Stephenee Dajnowicz
August 23, 2020
Lauren and family,
So so sorry for your loss. Im in awe. God bless you and take comfort knowing hes in a better place.
jill Lichtenfels
August 21, 2020
To the family of Dr. Ronald Krak, MD. Dr. Krak was my son Neil’s Pediatrician for 15 years. We moved here to Lancaster in February, 1990 when Neil had just turned 3 years old. At the age of 18 Neil aged out of the practice. He cried as he absolutely loved Dr. Krak. He was a great doctor. He was a great diagnostician and a beautiful human being. He was so kind. He had a wonderful bedside manner. My husband and I found him very easy to talk to. He will be missed. Rest in peace Dr. Krak. You are with the angels now. Deepest condolences go out to his entire family. Please keep us informed if there is going to be a celebration of life as my son and I would love to be there. All the best.
Regina Goldstein
August 19, 2020
We were shocked and so sad to learn Dr. Krak’s passing. He was a great pediatrican to our children. How much our family valued him and appreciated his care! Surely, we are going to miss him. Our deepest sympathy to Dr. Krak’s family and Roseville pediatrics.
Dan Sotirescu/So Hyang Park
August 19, 2020
We are deeply saddened by Dr. Krak’s passing but rejoice in the fact that he is in the presence of the Lord. We fondly recall our days when our Daughter and Natalie attended LWA. Kevin and Karen Hassett
August 19, 2020
Our condolences go out to the entire family and to Roseville Pediatrics. Dr. Krak was a favorite of ours when our children were little. He took his time at each visit and was very thorough. Rest in peace.
The Quinn Family
August 19, 2020
Im am so saddened to have read of Dr. Krak’s passing. He has only been our boys for the past year but we felt we were so lucky to have found him to care for our kids. My deepest sympathy to his family. He will surely be missed.
Dan Ort-Patrick
August 19, 2020
I was sad and shocked to learn of Dr. Krak’s passing. He took care of my kids and diagnosed my son’s POTS. He walked us through this with kindness even calling me at home. He will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers to his dear family and friends.
Tammi Fahrney
August 19, 2020
(2 Cor 5:17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ , he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Ron was my best friend in high school and he was the one who led me in prayer when I trusted Christ to be my Lord and Savior. I wept when I heard of his passing, but I know for sure that he is ecstatic with joy unspeakable to be in the presence of the God he dearly above. I was one of the groomsmen in his wedding which may have been one of the best days of his earthly life, but what he is now experiencing in the completion of his union with Christ is infinitely better! I will be praying that the Lord will comfort his beloved Lauren and the children and all of his many loved ones. As for me, I thank God with all of my heart for the privilege of knowing such a beautiful example of His handiwork and for the profound influence Ron had on changing the course of my life.
Eric Mathos
August 18, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Dr Krak, he took care of my sons along with the other great doctors at Roseville back in the 90s. A very nice, patient and gentle man with the children. He will be dearly missed. Brad Swisher.
August 18, 2020
I am saddened to learn of Dr. Krak’s passing. He was my hero. He helped my sons through serious, lifelong medical issues. He was kind, caring, and knowledgeable. He touched the heart of my family and will always be remembered!
TINA TRIMBLE
August 18, 2020
Our Deepest Sympathy at your loss. Our daughter Kristine was a patient of Roseville Pediatrics. We met Dr. Krak a couple of times he was a very caring Doctor.
Ken, Evelyn and Kristine Miller
August 17, 2020
Our hearts are so broken over this tragic sudden loss, and it hurts even more to think what your family is experiencing must be a million times more intense ! Please know my heart is with you all ! Praying you will find joy and comfort in the days ahead with pictures and memories! Trying to remember “it’s not good-bye, it’s see you later” ❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️ Jan Hastings
August 16, 2020
I was so sad to hear about Ron’s accident. Dr Laube called me in Reno to tell me the bad news.
I was Chair of the Department of Pediatrics when Ron was Vice Chair. We were lucky to have him as a colleague and benefit from his careful work.
Thinking of the family at this time
Hilary Becker MD
August 16, 2020
I never knew Dr. Krak, but he was my grandson’s doctor. My grandson has Aspergers and is socially challenged. Dr. Krak helped him immensely over the years navigate difficult times through his life. He shows very little emotion about anything but when told of Dr. Krak’s passing he remarked “wow this is the first time I’ve ever felt really sad about something.” Thank you Dr. Krak for making that impact on his life. You were truly a gifted and special physician.
Eileen Scion
August 16, 2020
My deep condolences to the family and the Roseville Pediatrics community. Dr. Krak was a gem. A great doctor and an even better person. Modern medicine combined with old time caring. He treated our four children as if they were his own. What an inspiring life!
Howard Kelin
August 16, 2020
My deepest sympathies to the Krak family and my profound gratitude for having crossed paths with Dr. Krak in life.
Nikki Rivera
August 15, 2020
Dr. Krak was an amazing doctor and I will forever be grateful that he saved my daughter’s life. We will sorely miss you Dr. Krak. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and colleagues. ❤
Tina Enochs
August 15, 2020
There are so many words in the English language and yet so few to adequately express my condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Krak. He will leave a lasting legacy-both in his final and giving act and in his excellent care as a physician and educator. His kidness will always be remembered. And his care deeply appreciated. May the loving memories of the time you spent with him yield to long-lasting comfort.
Thinking of you,
Suzanne Besecker
August 15, 2020
Sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Dr. Ronald Krak. Always a kind and gentle young man as well as a scholar and exceptional athlete during our school years, it is not surprising to read of his remarkable accomplishments as a physician, husband and father.
Rest peacefully Ronny…long may you run.
Tom Murray
August 15, 2020
My deepest sympathies to Dr. Krak’s wife, children, family, and all of his colleagues and coworkers. We were all very blessed to know him! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Maria Delgado
