Nicholas Anthony Krall

1932 – 2026

A pioneer in nuclear physics, Dr. Nicholas Krall was drawn to the stars, where the study of astrophysics and stellar dynamics led him to high energy nuclear plasma physics. Beginning his career at General Atomics, he went on to faculty and research positions at the University of Maryland and the Naval Research Laboratory. Later he became a visiting professor at UC San Diego. He won a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1973, co-authored a graduate-level physics textbook, and authored more than 150 scientific papers. He went on to lead theoretical plasma physics research at Science Applications International (SAIC) and JAYCOR in San Diego, CA. In 1988 he founded Krall Associates, a physics consulting firm, and continued consulting into retirement.

Born in 1932 to Nicholas J. Krall and Catherine Krall (Carr) in Kansas City, KS, Nick grew up in the Croatian immigrant community known as Strawberry Hill. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and class valedictorian (1950) from Bishop Ward High School. He earned a B.A. from Notre Dame University (1954) and a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Cornell University (1959). He had a lifelong interest in music and played trumpet in the Notre Dame Marching Band and French Horn in the concert band. While in college, he married Teresa Joanne Sloan (deceased) and they raised six children together, mostly in San Diego, divorcing after 30 years. Moving to Del Mar, he married Diane Christine Miller in 1985 and they recently celebrated their 40th anniversary.

They were long-time members of the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, playing golf and tennis regularly. They also played competitive bridge at the life master’s level and traveled together extensively, visiting all 7 continents. Nick was always active enjoying sailing, snorkeling and skiing with his children and grandchildren. He passed away at home of natural causes, one month shy of his 94th birthday. He will be missed by his wife of over 40 years, Diane Krall (Miller) and is survived by his six children (Carolyn Krall, Laura Hollenbaugh, Nick J Krall, Jonathan Krall, Teresa Krall, Elizabeth Gayton); nine grandchildren (Angelina Krall, Teddy Gayton, Chris Gayton, Stephen Gayton, Alana Hollenbaugh, Kelsey Hollenbaugh, Simi Parquette, Alex Parker, Sarah Parker); and his brothers, Charles Krall and Edward Krall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP) of San Diego County.

https://tipsandiego.org/donate-to-tip/