Peter J. Krill

Peter J. Krill, aka “Jim” to his family, began his musical career at the age of nine in a public grade school in Camden, NJ.  He played a school-issued instrument, continuing to middle school and high school marching bands in Philadelphia, PA.  Temple University and the West Point Military Academy (1966-1969) were his next stops, honing his musical “chops” and techniques.

In the early 1980’s two talented musical sisters, Joan Dowlin (French horn) and Nancy Dowlin (trumpet), joined with two other young women – Barbara Prugh (trumpet) and Debbie Taylor (trombone) - and Peter formed a group they dubbed Festive Brass Quintet.  Professional tuba playing on a part-time basis continued for several decades.  Peter was a regular substitute with the Philadelphia Orchestra as well, serving under the baton of Maestros Eugene Ormandy, Ricardo Muti, and Wolfgang Savalitch.  

His full-time other career was almost 30 years in duration with the Personnel Department, City of Philadelphia.  There he made many friendships including his wife, Linda A. Robinson, Ph.D.

They married in 1990 at Annunciation BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church. He and his parents, Olga and Peter P. Krill, were founding members of this beautiful church. The spiritual foundation of his upbringing molded Peter into a loving husband, stepdad to a then 6 year-old, and caring/conscientious supervisor to numerous direct reports.  While his government job provided a comfortable life, he always identified as a tuba player!

After retirement in 1999, Peter continued playing in many ensembles, both paid and volunteer, e.g., The Bucks County Community Orchestra under the leadership of the late Jerry Novack. Summer weekends were spent in Ocean Grove, NJ and then eventually in Asbury Park, NJ.

At one point in time, Peter possessed 4 different tubas which occupied more than a little ‘real estate’ in one first-floor room, dubbed the “music room” where he practiced for 1.5 hours a day until about 6 years ago. The tubas eventually acquired new homes, as he now has in the Great Beyond.

Peter is survived by his wife Linda, stepson James, younger sister Andrea Krill, niece Audrey Wisely and nephew Semeon Hargan (adult children of the late Kathleen Krill Hargan of Massachusetts), and 2 furry companions named Candy Girl and Smokey.  WOOF.

Relatives and friends are invited to Peter's Viewing Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 11 am to 12 noon, followed by Funeral Service at 12 noon, at Annunciation BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church, Old York Road & Valley Road, Melrose Park, PA 19027. Interment will be held at a later date.

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