Roger S. Krupa Obituary

Roger Stephen Krupa, 75, died on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at his home in Cary, NC surrounded by his loved ones. Born January 3, 1948 in Barberton, OH, Roger was the middle child of Stephen and Jennie Krupa, first generation American citizens having immigrated from the former Czechoslovakia in 1917.

Roger was a proud graduate of Ohio University, earning a Bachelor's of Science degree in urban planning and a Master's of Science in sports administration and facility management. For 53 years, Roger was married to Linda (Miller), his middle school sweetheart and best friend. Roger and Linda moved to Cary, NC in January 1980, when Roger was hired as Director of the Raleigh Civic Center following stints leading the convention centers in both Cleveland, OH and Pittsburgh, PA.

A champion of the Arts, Roger's vision for Raleigh as an entertainment and event destination is reflected in the development of many of its facilities including Walnut Creek Amphitheater, Red Hat Amphitheater, the renovation of Memorial Auditorium to include Meymandi Concert Hall and Fletcher Opera Theatre, and the new Convention Center that opened in 2008. While those facilities changed the downtown Raleigh landscape, Roger was most proud of the team around him who brought those venues to life.

From the very beginning, Roger was an avid golfer. He was a member of the Norton High School state champion golf team in 1964, earning his induction into their athletic Hall of Fame in October 2021. He also played at Ohio University where they won multiple MAC championships. He continued playing for the rest of his life and was a member of the North Carolina Golf Panel.

Despite his many accomplishments, he will be most remembered by those who knew him best as the Director of Fun. He was adamant that those around him enjoy life to its fullest and reveled in the happiness of others. No one experienced his spirit more than his grandchildren, who never knew what the next visit would entail. From elaborate scavenger hunts to magicians showing up for family holidays, Roger always made sure that laughter filled the air. He will be dearly missed by many friends and colleagues but especially by Linda, their children Niki (Chris) Gerhard and Jack (Julie) Krupa; his beloved grandchildren, Brooks (Gerhard), Reagan (Krupa) and Maezy (Krupa); and by his sisters and their families: Janet Woodruff and Marilyn "Mert" Krupa.

A celebration of Roger's life will be held Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 2-4 pm at MacGregor Downs Country Club in Cary, NC.