Remembering Gary Krafft

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Gary Krafft, known affectionately to many of us at RKG Law as “GGK.” Together with Craig Russell and Jon Gruber, Gary was a founding partner of Russell, Krafft & Gruber, LLP, and is the representative “K” in RKG Law. Gary was an extraordinary lawyer, colleague, mentor, and friend. His career helped shape not only the work we do, but the way we try to do it: with integrity, humility, good humor, and a genuine commitment to the people around us.

Although Gary retired from the practice of law in 2016,  his influence remains woven into the culture of RKG Law. Those who know him remember his sharp mind, quiet confidence, unmatched work ethic, and loyalty to his family, clients and colleagues. He was one of the ultimate team players, and his legacy continues in the standards he helped set and the relationships he helped to build in the Lancaster County legal community

As we remember Gary, we are sharing a few reflections from those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

I first met Gary in 2003 when I left Arnold, Bricker & Barnes and joined Krank & Notturno as an associate. Gary had just graduated from Dickinson Law School (now Penn State Dickinson Law), which allowed Gary to proudly claim himself a “Penn State graduate.” We were both associates at the time and worked closely together for several years.

 When Ken Notturno and I later started our own firm, Gary came with us. He also spent part of that period working as an Assistant District Attorney, where he gained significant trial experience, particularly in arson prosecutions. That work shaped him into a skilled and diligent trial attorney, always willing to step in and assist the rest of us with litigation matters.

Eventually, Gary became a partner. Jon Gruber joined us around the time of the Three Mile Island incident, and over time, Gary, Jon, and I formed a long-standing partnership that—through a few changes—lasted for nearly 50 years.

In all that time, I can recall only one real disagreement between Gary and me, during a partnership meeting when he threw a pencil at me. Gary was, above all, a dedicated colleague and an exceptional partner.

                 Craig Russell, Founding Partner

Gary, using his experience in arson cases, and I worked on the trial of a civil case in federal court in  which the cause of a large warehouse fire with a fatality would determine liability under a lease provision.  During a recess, opposing counsel mentioned that he took off Friday afternoons to spend time at his pool. In Gary’s reaction to that attorney’s discussion of relaxation, I saw the origin of the Krafft pool and Gary’s taking some time off from his busy schedule to enjoy summer Friday afternoons. The  Krafft pool time foreshadowed Gary’s eventual retirement during which through golf, travel,  etc., he worked as relentlessly at retirement as he had in the practice of law.

 While Gary spent most of his time in our Lancaster office, he also spent significant time at the Ephrata office in evenings and some afternoons. Gary’s involvement with  the Ephrata office showed him in his best role as the classic lawyer who was able to work generally without being limited to a narrow specialty. Gary could try a case as easily as he could administer an estate. In whatever area he chose to practice he did so with the highest ethics and competence.

 As busy as Gary was with the practice of law, he found time to serve his community, particularly on the school board. He served as president of the Ephrata School Board for a number of terms when such a role could be a job in itself. Gary even chose to serve some years as managing partner of the firm, which he did in an even- handed way.

                 Jon Gruber, Founding Partner

When I was just beginning my legal career, my first interview with RKG Law was led by Gary. After initial introductions and some small talk, Gary got right to it. He looked at me and said, “So, are you familiar with the Divorce Code and the factors the Court must consider in equitable distribution?” I knew the position was for a Family Law Associate so I was ready but my nerves hadn’t settled yet. But, something about the way Gary said it made me think he knew I was ready. I responded, “Yes, I’m familiar with the factors.” He smiled and said, “Great, which factors are most important?” I smiled back and said, “It depends who we represent.” I knew I had the job as Gary simply said, “Well done.” That was Gary. No nonsense. A vigorous advocate. Relentless work ethic. My mentor. Everything I know about being a lawyer started with him and continued until he finally slowed down and headed to one of his favorite places – the beach. There are so many ways I could honor Gary because he was just that amazing, but suffice it to simply say that he was one of the good ones in all ways – as a lawyer, as a husband, as a father, as a friend and as a community member. They just don’t make them like that anymore and my heart will always hold a small place for him for admiration, respect and gratitude. I’ll miss you GGK.

                 Holly Filius, Partner

Gary’s knowledge of the law, advocacy skills and presence when he appeared before the Court or a municipal organization were unparalleled. He was always prepared and showed us all how to be an exceptional lawyer, colleague, and friend. To this day, the municipal board members he worked with continue to regard his professionalism and his counsel is missed by many, including me. Lunch trips to the grocery store (which involved a pit stop at Red Rose Pool Service during summer months) were filled with discussions about emerging issues in the news, travel, his cars or our cases. Those trips, and lunches in the old RKG kitchen, were formative for many of us and gave me confidence to navigate many complex legal issues in my career.

                 Julie Miller, Partner

I have had the fortune of spending my entire legal career at RKG Law, which is due in large part to the mentorship and example Gary set for so many of us who have worked with him. Gary set an incredible example as an attorney, demonstrating the hard work, insight, creative thinking and analysis that earned him respect in the Lancaster legal community and served his clients so well throughout his career. Just as important, he was admired for the relationships he made with his clients and coworkers, often expressing a kindness and generosity that helped those around him succeed. I remember fondly the many trips to the grocery store for lunch, where Gary was always willing to share his thoughts on issues or questions I had about anything work related, sports, or life in general. He was a constant source of knowledge (sometimes very obscure knowledge) and guidance for so many.

                 Aaron Zeamer, Partner

 Gary was the same person whether he was talking to a client, sitting in a meeting or mixing a Manhattan behind his basement “Krafft bar.”  In any situation, Gary made the people around him feel welcome and important, and probably told them a story or two (or more). 

                Aaron Marines, Partner

 “Where’s Gary Krafft?”  Just about any time I went out in Ephrata, I’d hear “Where is Gary Krafft?”  He loved his community and the community loved him.  So where was Gary?  He was working hard for his clients.  He was leading by example.  He was making sure new associates had a chance to learn and building their confidence.  He was listening to colleagues and offering good advice.  He was spending time with his family.  He was taking lunch trips to the grocery store.  He was telling a joke.  He was working on his cars.  He was mixing a drink at the Krafft Bar.  In short, he was making everyone around him better, simply by being him.

                 Lindsay Schoeneberger, Partner

I had the pleasure of working with GGK for more than 20 years, and his influence on my leadership style, on the importance of the culture we have worked so hard to create and protect at RKG Law, and on the value of mentorship and kindness is immense. Gary led in a way that did not require a spotlight. He demonstrated leadership through consistency, patience, humor, and the way he treated people.

 I will miss Gary’s witty responses and endless movie, television, and sports references. I like to think that he is now sitting with many of the actors, actresses, athletes, and commentators he quoted so often over the years. They are probably thanking him for keeping their lines alive, perhaps asking about royalties due to excessive use, while Gary is calmly and successfully arguing that decades of perfectly timed references fall squarely within fair use.        

Rose Krause, Firm Administrator

Gary’s presence at RKG Law was meaningful, memorable, and lasting. He helped build something we are proud to carry forward, and we are grateful for the example he set for all of us.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Gary’s family, friends, former clients, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. We will miss him, remember him fondly, and continue to honor him in the way we care for our clients, support one another, and protect the culture he helped create.

Gary touched the lives of so many throughout his career and within our community. If you would like to share a memory, story, or message of condolence, we invite you to do so. We would be honored to collect your thoughts and pass them along to Gary’s family.

Please send your message to cds@rkglaw.com, and we will ensure it is shared with those closest to him.