With sadness we share the news of the passing of the Rev. Philip Sinclair "Phil" Krug, 87, last Wednesday, March 11, 2015 in Saddle River, NJ. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 11 a.m., at Christ Church, 251 State Street in Hackensack.
Born in Indiana on December 22, 1927, Phil married Lee Albert in 1951, graduated from Yale Divinity School in 1952, and was ordained a priest in 1953 by Bishop Norman Nash in the Diocese of Massachusetts.
After a curacy at Christ Church, Cambridge, Phil became rector for 18 years of St. Peter’s Church in Weston, MA. For the next 18 years he was rector of St. Paul’s Church in Montvale, retiring in 1994. In 2003 he was appointed Priest Associate at Christ Church in Hackensack, which observed the 50th anniversary of his ordination.
Active in religious radio in Boston from 1955 until 1973, Phil was also a member of various local and diocesan groups in both Massachusetts and New Jersey. His ministry (in addition to pastoring and preaching) was focused on social justice issues including anti-war work, civil and gay rights, and the ordination of women.
He published frequently in The Christian Ministry. After his retirement, his ministry included several interim appointments and Sunday coverage at local congregations. He also served his Yale Divinity School seminary class, being asked to speak on the pastorate and on preaching at their 50th reunion.
Phil is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lee Albert Krug; children Stefan, Adrienne, Corbin, and Kevin; and nine grandchildren. He baptized all his children and grandchildren, and officiated at the weddings of all his children and his two eldest grandchildren.
Condolences to the family may be sent to his wife Lee Krug at 20 Maple Ave., Montvale, NJ 07645-2608.
Good and gracious God, the light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, you sent your servant Phil to be a priest in your Church to feed your sheep with your word and to guide them by his example; give us the grace to keep the faith he taught and to follow in his footsteps. We entrust him into your unfailing mystery of Love and Hope through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
