Allen R. Kryger

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Allen R. Kryger, whose life was defined by service, dedication, vision, and unwavering love for his family and community. Known to many as Al, he touched countless lives and will be remembered for the example he set, the kindness he shared, and the lasting impact he made on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Al was born on August 22, 1938, in Cortland, New York. He graduated from Virgil High School with the Class of 1956 before proudly answering the call to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 to 1958. A proud Marine throughout his life, Al carried the Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment with him in all that he did. “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” was more than a saying to him—it was a way of life.

After completing his military service, Al returned home with the same dedication that had guided him in uniform. He continued serving others as a firefighter with the Cortland Fire Department, proudly working alongside his brother, Dave. Whether protecting his country or his hometown, Al answered every call with courage, humility, and a deep sense of duty.

Following his years with the fire department, Al found another lifelong passion in the ski industry. He began as a ski patroller at Snow Crest Ski Resort, where his calm presence, quick thinking, and commitment to the safety of others made him a natural fit.

When Snow Crest became Greek Peak, Al began on a career that would span more than 50 years and forever shape the future of the resort. Through vision, determination, and tireless work, he helped build the first chairlift in the region, introduced snowmaking and night skiing, and played a pivotal role in expanding Greek Peak into the four-season destination it is today. His leadership helped transform the mountain with the addition of townhouses, single-family homes, and Hope Lake Lodge Hotel and Indoor Waterpark, creating a year-round resort enjoyed by generations of families.

Al’s influence reached far beyond Greek Peak. He was widely respected as a leader in the ski industry at the local, regional, and national levels. His decades of innovation, leadership, and commitment to the growth of skiing earned him induction into the SKI NY Hall of Fame in 1989, recognizing the profound impact he had on Greek Peak and the New York ski industry.

While Al was immensely proud of all that Greek Peak became, his greatest joy came from building that legacy alongside his family. Some of his happiest memories were made working side by side with those he loved, sharing in the challenges, accomplishments, and milestones that became woven into the mountain itself.

Above all else, Al was devoted to his family. Though he took great pride in his accomplishments, nothing brought him more joy than the life he built and the time he shared with those he loved most.

Some of Al’s favorite moments were the simplest ones—hosting family barbecues on the deck, gathering everyone together for laughter and good food, and creating memories that will be cherished for years to come. He also loved vacationing with his family, finding joy not only in the destinations but in the time spent together. Those moments of togetherness were among his greatest treasures and reflected what mattered most to him: the people he loved.

On Sundays, you could always find Al at Virgil United Methodist Church, where he was a devoted and active member of the congregation. His faith was a constant presence throughout his life.

His wife, Gayle, was his partner in life and in many of his professional endeavors. Together, they worked side by side through the years, helping build not only a business, but a legacy.

Al is survived by his beloved wife, Gayle; his sons, Sam (Wendy) and Wesley (Maryann); his daughter, Diana; six grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Carol (Norman) Takaki, Joyce Kipp, Gladys Kryger, and his sister-in-law Pat Kryger along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Mildred Kryger, and his brother David Kryger, his brother Gerald Congdon, Gerald’s wife Beverly and his brother-in-law Ward Kipp.

Al’s life was one of unwavering service—to his country, his community, his profession, and, above all, his family. His legacy lives on in the mountain he helped build, the ski industry he helped shape, the countless lives he touched, and the family he loved so deeply. He will be remembered for his vision, generosity, and devotion, and he will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Semper Fidelis.

A celebration of Al’s life will be held in the Acropolis Room at Greek Peak, 2000 Route 392, Cortland, New York, on Saturday, August 1, at 11:00am-2:00pm. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospicare & Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County or the American Legion in support of its advocacy and services for military veterans. The family would like to express its sincerest gratitude to Dr. Garber and the staff at the Syracuse Veterans Administration.