Robert F. Krall

MILLBROOK — Dr. Robert F. Krall, a Millbrook optometrist and resident of Verbank, died peacefully on April 4, 2011, in the home he loved.He continued to see patients until mid-March, losing his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer nearly three weeks later. He treasured the time he had remaining with the patients and staff who meant so much to him. His legacy continues through his dedicated staff and the established professionalism of his practice of 42 years. On his last day, upon coming home, he said he was deeply touched by the patients who had said to him, “See you next year, Doc.”Born Dec. 14, 1938, in Troy, N.Y., to Gertrude and Herman Krall, he attended Troy public schools.He graduated from Ohio State University in 1961 and received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1965.Dr. Krall established a private practice in Poughkeepsie and later added a second office in Millbrook. In 1995 he opened a 2,700-square-foot professional optometric facility in Millbrook, the present location of his practice.Dr. Krall’s public service included 35 years as a member of the Lions Club. He was an active member in Poughkeepsie and later in Millbrook, serving two terms as president. He founded the Millbrook Arts Group and was the organization’s first president. Working with both the Lions Club and the Millbrook Arts Group he was instrumental in the creation of the Millbrook Community Band Shell. In 1986 he was elected president of the Hudson Valley Optometric Society and served as a board member until 2008.He proudly served 10 years on the College Council of the State University of New York College of Optometry. He was appointed to the position in 1998 by Governor Pataki. Dr. Krall and his wife, Linda, were married for 33 years. They enjoyed breeding and showing purebred Norwegian Forest Cats for 21 years.He loved bicycling throughout Dutchess County, Vermont and Massachusetts, was an avid skier, enjoyed classical music and, upon hearing, could name most works and their composers.In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his treasured son, Michael, and grandchildren, Nora and Landon, all of whom reside in Alabama; his beloved brother, Leonard, and sister-in-law, Gerry, and nieces Debra and Jennifer, all residents of Troy.A private memorial celebration of his life will be held at a future time.Memorial donations may be made to The Millbrook Lions Club, PO Box 76, Millbrook, NY 12545.The Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home in Poughkeepsie has charge of the arrangements.