Former Planning and Zoning Director Dan Krevolin
Daniel Joel Krevolin, 75, of West Haven, died after a long battle with cancer on December 30, 2021. Dan was a very kind and sensitive man who was devoted to his family and community. He was the son of Ida and David Krevolin, sister of Harriet (Cookie) Krevolin, and predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Lewis and Jenny Krevolin. Dan was the beloved husband of 50 years, and graceful dance partner, to Diane Skornik Krevolin. They have been holding hands since they were teenagers. Together, they raised three children David (Leah Rominger), Ivan, and Aliza (Lindsey Danis). He adored his two grandchildren, Isaac and Henry. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Rudy (Debbie), Ellie and Benjamin, and by his dear lifelong friend Marvin Kabakoff. Dan was predeceased by his beloved Schipperke, Beauty, whom he impulsively rescued from the West Haven Animal Shelter and loved to walk along the beach.
Dan was born in New Haven and graduated from Hillhouse High School. He received his B.A. degree in Political Science from Alfred University and his masters in Public Administration from the University of New Haven. Dan served his country as a Chaplain’s Assistant in Korea during the Vietnam Era.
Dan served the City of West Haven as Planning and Zoning Director and later as the first certified City Clerk. Among his many civic accomplishments, he secured the holiday lights that still decorate the West Haven Green and initiated free wedding ceremonies on Valentine’s Day. Dan later became the Director of the award-winning Senior Aides Program at Community Action Agency in New Haven (CAANH) and also the Director of Senior Nutrition sites and Meals on Wheels. There, he found his true calling. He loved older adults and respected the knowledge and wisdom they held and helped to secure them paid employment and nutritious meals. Where other people might be vain about receiving a senior discount before they achieved senior status, Dan was happy to be considered a distinguished elder! As he was frequently quoted, “Age is just a number.”
A generous and giving man, Dan served the Jewish community as the past President and stand-in rabbi of Congregation Sinai West Haven and the Co-Chairman of the Planning & Building Committee for Fountain Heights, a senior B’nai B’rith community in New Haven. As an active B’nai B’rith member, he helped organize Project H.O.P.E., which supplies Passover food to Connecticut families in need. For more than twenty years, Dan donned a Santa suit and visited the VA Hospital on Christmas Eve, spreading holiday cheer along with his wife and kids. He was deeply involved in community and philanthropic organizations, serving as Chancellor Commander of the Knights of Pythias, and as a member of the Masonic Cosmopolitan Lodge, to which he belonged for over 25 years. After he retired, he loved being a Jewish Coalition for Literacy “Reading Buddy” volunteer at Columbus School (New Haven).
Dan’s favorite hobby was travel, which allowed him the opportunity to learn and experience other cultures. Dan’s favorite vacations included visits to Israel, Italy, Japan, and a river cruise in Central Europe. While he didn’t reach all 50 states, he came close, having visited 47. Other hobbies included stamp collecting and gardening.
He is remembered for his humor, impressive storytelling skills, love of history, incredible sense of direction, and love of food (especially ice cream).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Closer to Free Fund for Smilow Cancer Hospital (www.yalecancercenter.org/gifts) or to Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel (BEKI) of New Haven (85 Harrison St., New Haven, CT 06515).