John Gregory Kroll

John G. Kroll, Jr., a writer, editor, lyricist, and dog lover, died Oct. 12 in National City, Calif. He was 79. John was salutatorian of the Poughkeepsie (N.Y.) High School Class of 1962 and a graduate of Amherst College, where he was managing editor of the Amherst Student newspaper. His career included writing positions at the Disney Channel and Showtime, and at California State University, Northridge. He wrote lyrics for six musicals. John took in many rescue dogs. After moving to San Diego in 2000, he was a fixture at Grape Street Dog Park. His worldwide travels were cut short by Kennedy's Disease, a genetic neuromuscular disorder that limited his mobility. John enjoyed a wide network of loyal friends made at every stage of his life: Poughkeepsie, Queens, the Bay Area, Sherman Oaks, San Diego, and more. His intelligence, wit, and steadfastness will not be forgotten. He is survived by nephews David and Stephen Kroll, of New Orleans; a sister-in-law, Suzanne Kroll, of New Orleans; a half-brother, Michael Kroll, of Houston; and a cousin, James Bock, of Columbia, Md.