Roger Krakow Sr.

1923 - 2025

Roger Krakow, Sr.
10/03/1923 - 06/03/2025
Roger Waller Krakow, Sr. passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, surrounded by family.
Roger was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 23, 1923. He grew up in Davenport, where he frequently saw the big bands of the era, becoming a lifelong fan of the "Now Sound." He proudly served in WWII, flying 35 missions as a B-17 navigator/bombardier with the Mighty 8th Air Force. He was awarded an Air Medal for participating in the largest air raid of the war over Berlin on February 3, 1945. When asked why he received the medal, he said, "For living."
Roger graduated from the Cornell Hotel School and began work in Saint Paul. Realizing he could still be drafted into the Korean War, Roger decided he had better start living it up and took a position as manager at the Palm Springs Tennis Club, where he met Sally Sullivan. She proposed after two weeks-three times-and he finally said yes. They settled in the Bay Area, where Roger managed the Commodore Hotel in San Francisco and raised four sons in their beloved home in San Mateo Park. Roger and Sally were members of The Episcopal Church of Saint Matthew for over 70 years.
Roger and Sally were passionate travelers, visiting 42 countries and all 50 states. They volunteered at the Burlingame Library and supported the Nepal Youth Foundation. Roger enjoyed speaking about his war experiences and was recently honored at the Palm Springs Air Museum's "Voices of Valor" gala. A lifelong 49ers fan, he was recognized on the field in 2023 as a "Frontline Hero of the Game" and again in 2024 as the honorary pre-kickoff foghorn sounder. Roger was also an avid cyclist. His 100th birthday was a joy-fest, with over 70 family and friends surprising him and joining him for his daily 2-mile ride.
Roger was known for his relentlessly positive attitude and for always putting others first. He was a true gentleman who never spoke an unkind word about anyone. People were drawn to his kind heart, quiet humor, and gentle presence. All who were blessed to have known him will be inspired to carry his rare spirit forward.
Roger is predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Sally Sullivan Krakow, and survived by their sons: Roger Jr. and his wife Elizabeth, and their children Roger III and Lucy Grace; Bradford and his wife Monica, and their daughters Trevor and Alexandra; Peter and his wife Kari, and their daughters Hattie and Willa; and Chad and his wife Sheila, and their daughter Amelia. He was also the proud great-grandfather to Trevor and Jacob's daughter, Thea, and Alexandra and Mitchell's daughter, Tess.
A memorial service is planned for August 23 at 2:00 PM at The Episcopal Church of Saint Matthew (1 South El Camino Real, San Mateo). Donations in his memory may be made to the Burlingame Library Foundation, the Nepal Youth Foundation, or the Gary Sinise Foundation for Veterans.