Allan C. Krulak

Born on July 11, 1937, Allan’s long and rich life was defined by service—to his city, his colleagues, his community and everyone who crossed his path in need of advice, an introduction or a helping hand. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Judy Krulak (née Kangas), whose partnership was the bedrock of his life. He was predeceased by his parents, Ira and Etta Krulak, and his brother, Samuel (Sandy) Krulak.

He leaves behind his brother, Ronald (Sheila), his nephews, Adam and Craig, Roger (Catherine), Robert, and his niece Lora, all of whom were sources of great pride and affection.

Allan graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1955. In 1997, he was inducted into the Heights High School Hall of Fame. He pursued further education at Mexico City College, Marquette University and The Ohio State University, a proud Buckeye for life.

Professionally, Allan’s most impactful role was with Forest City Enterprises, where he rose to become Vice President and Director of Community Affairs. In that capacity, he oversaw the company’s philanthropic initiatives and coordinated charitable efforts among employees—pioneering one of the earliest corporate national days of service in collaboration with then-CEO Chuck Ratner.

Allan began his public service career on the Warrensville Heights City Council, followed by an extraordinary 30-year tenure on the Pepper Pike City Council. He served on a wide array of boards and commissions, including the Pepper Pike Civic League, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, the Cleveland Leadership Center, Levin College of Urban Affairs, the Ohio Lottery Commission, the Cleveland Zoological Society, the Cleveland Jewish News, Orange Boosters, Orange Arts Council, Hillcrest Council of Councils, Ohio Home Builders Association, the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor and the Downtown Cleveland Alliance. He also chaired the Greater Cleveland Growth Association’s Public Affairs Committee and was a founding member of the FBI Cleveland Citizens Academy Alumni Association.

Among the countless organizations he served, none were closer to his heart than Shoes and Clothes for Kids and Look Up To Cleveland, a youth leadership program of the Cleveland Leadership Center. Allan devoted more than 50 years to Shoes and Clothes for Kids, where the Allan C. Krulak Golden Shoe Award continues to be presented annually to a community leader who shares Allan’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children and families. His 30 years of service to Look Up To Cleveland helped shape generations of civic-minded high school students (including Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb) through leadership training and community engagement.

Allan’s passions extended far beyond the boardroom. He was an avid nature photographer, a world traveler, a racquetball competitor and a fearless skier—heli-skiing in the Canadian backcountry and gliding down alpine slopes in Europe.

Fittingly, his collection of “grip-and-grin” photos—today’s selfies—was as legendary as his genuine ability to connect with people from every walk of life. And his long-term association with the Ratner family was a continuing source of pride.

Funeral services will be held at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel, 1985 Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118 on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 12 noon.

To view this service at 12 noon on May 14th, or any time afterwards, please navigate to the Services section below and click on "JOIN LIVESTREAM."

Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44106.

Family and friends are invited to gather for shiva at Three Village Condominiums in Lyndhurst on Wednesday, May 14 from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Allan’s memory to:

• Shoes and Clothes for Kids

• The Allan Krulak Fund at Look Up To Cleveland

• The Allan Krulak Scholarship Fund for Community Service at Ursuline College

George Bernard Shaw didn’t know Allan. Nevertheless, the playwright’s words aptly describe our now-gone friend: "I am of the opinion that our lives belong to the community, and as long as we shall live, it is our privilege to do for it whatever we can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a splendid torch which I have got hold of for one moment in time, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

Allan’s life was a master class in generosity, humility and enduring civic love—a giant upon Cleveland’s civic stage whose impact will be felt for generations.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.bkbmc.com for the Krulak family.