Frederick J. Krebs 1949-2025

Born in 1949 in Youngstown to Ruth Demmel Krebs Rigo and Norman Frederick Krebs, Fred was calm, caring and the eternal optimist. He will be remembered for his kindness and wise counsel to many.

Fred was the beloved husband of Cathryn Stanley Krebs, a devoted father and grandfather, and a man who took immense pride in his family. Curious and adventurous, he found joy in travel, photography, reading, cooking and golf.

A committed servant to his community, Fred was a longtime member of Providence Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, Virginia, where he served as a ruling elder and Clerk of Session. He supported affordable housing initiatives, participated in service trips to West Virginia and Mexico, and was an advocate for equality and inclusion, serving on the Board of Directors of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC.

Raised in Canfield, Fred often said his family “won the genetic lottery.” He was close with his brothers, Mark, Paul and Ken, often meeting up for trips to the Final Four, golf outings, and Cleveland to cheer on the Browns and Guardians (Indians). He remained a loyal Cleveland fan to the end, despite frequent heartbreak.

Canfield was also where Fred met Cathryn, the love of his life. They married in 1978 and shared more than 47 years together. They built a life that included two children, Stephen and Sarah, three grandchildren, foster children, one foster granddaughter, exchange students and countless cherished memories. Fred delighted in supporting his children’s academic, athletic and professional pursuits.

Professionally, Fred was a respected attorney, lobbyist and association executive. He served as President of the Association of Corporate Counsel for 20 years, helping transform it into the leading global organization for in-house attorneys. His career also included leadership roles with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and time spent in private legal practice. He later served as a Senior Fellow and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center.

An avid traveler who visited all seven continents and 55 countries, Fred found special happiness in Key West.

Fred was predeceased by his parents; stepfather, Michael A. Rigo; and grandparents.

He is survived by his wife, Cathryn Stanley Krebs; his children, Stephen Frederick Krebs of Washington, D.C., and Sarah Elizabeth Krebs Smith (Kellen) of Wheaton, Illinois; grandchildren, Hadley, Hudson and Hayden Smith; foster granddaughter, Juliana Bufano (Garnet Valley, Pa.); his three brothers, Mark Krebs (Mary Beth) of Maumee, Paul Krebs (Marjori) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Ken Krebs (Jackie) of New Albany; and 12 nephews and nieces.

A visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, at Demaine Funeral Home in Fairfax, Virginia. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, at Providence Presbyterian Church in Fairfax.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fairfax Presbyterian Church’s Glebe View affordable housing project. Checks may be made payable to “Fairfax Presbyterian Church” or gifts may be made online at https://www.fairfaxpresbyterian.org/give-now. Please list “Fred Krebs, Glebe View Acct # 60207” in the check memo line or, if giving online, in the comments section on the payment information page.

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