32 January 3 • 2019 jn 32 January 3 • 2019 jn 32 January 3 • 2019 jn soul of blessed memory C areer success came early for former Detroiter Colin Kroll. While pursuing a degree in information technology at Oakland University (OU), Yahoo! came calling with a $75,000 offer for the brilliant, computer-savvy col- lege student. Colin joined the internet services company in New York City, becoming Yahoo’ s engineering manager. He later was chief technology officer at Jetsetter. With fast-loading video unlocking new opportunities on mobile devices, lightning struck twice for Colin with the two major apps he developed alongside business partner Rus Yusupov. In 2012, they and third co-founder Dom Hofmann released Vine, a short-form video app that social giant Twitter purchased later that year for $30 mil- lion. But the culture-defining product for Kroll and Yusupov is their mobile app HQ Trivia. Launched in August 2017, the app live-streams 15-minute trivia shows twice daily to mobile users. Thousands of players can be hosted simultaneously. Colin Kroll, 34, CEO of HQ Trivia, died of a drug overdose at home in Manhattan on Dec. 16, 2018. International media reported his passing. A slide celebration of Colin’ s life preceded his Dec. 21 memorial service here; Temple Israel’ s Rabbi Harold Loss officiated. Born May 17, 1984, in Detroit, Colin was the middle son of Alan and Catherine “Cathy” Kroll. He graduated from Bloomfield Hills Andover High School, then worked at Steve’ s Deli near home before enrolling at OU. Colin grasped concepts of computer technology intui- tively. At 14, he caused a stir among the neighbors by writ- ing a program to download his music faster, locking them out. Alan said he and Cathy were relieved when Colin chose to use his gifts for good: creating video apps for smart- phones. Vine won Variety’ s 2014 Breakthrough Award in Emerging Technology. JN Contributing Writer Rabbi Jason Miller, who writes about technology, met the partners after they accepted the award in Las Vegas. “What impressed me about Colin,” Miller said, “is that he had sold his company for a lot of money and, yet, was extremely laid back and humble.” Twitter discontinued Vine last year, but the partners were already employed since 2015 at video game publisher Intermedia Labs. The Hype and Bounce apps they created didn’ t catch fire; then came HQ Trivia. Players win or split jackpots on the free mobile-based trivia platform by touch screening answers to 12 multi- ple-choice questions. “Colin was always so proud of using me as an avatar, the face of his prod- uct,” said comedian Scott Rogowsky, the HQ Trivia host. An industry reporter wrote: “The app combines the interactivity of gam- ing, the allure of live video and the production values of Hollywood.” HQ Trivia raised $15 million in seed money from Lightspeed Ventures in California. Lightspeed partner Jeremy Liew said, “Our job is to identify those with spe- cial talents. Colin could have wanted to open a bagel shop and we would have funded him anyway. He had that ability to impose his vision, his will and talent on the world. He always did what was best for the company, never thought about himself.” Kroll family members living in New York provided Colin with a harbor. “Colin and I were kindred spirits — both consummate, working entrepre- neurs,” said Alan’ s sister, Susan Kroll. “He was in love with his family, in love with New York, in love with Detroit.” Other New Yorkers deliver- ing eulogies were Alan’ s brother, Gene Kroll; brother-in-law, Robert Lachow; and niece, Elizabeth Lachow. Cousin Colin was Elizabeth’ s concert buddy and confidante. He loved his dog, Tater Tots, and playing guitar — “That guy could shred!” Colin also was a self-taught anime artist who admired the craft and design of cars, watches and art. Jason and Zachary Kroll adored their brother Colin. “He was such a caring guy, liked to have fun and was humble about his achievements,” Jason said. Zachary noted: “He made time for me in spite of his busy schedule.” Typically working more than 100 hours a week, Colin took a five-day break to come home at Thanksgiving. “He spoke then of wanting to branch beyond ‘ kiddie games’ and do some- thing for humanity,” Alan said. His son was working on a computer chip to help monitor patients’ vital functions. “The big city can change you, but Colin never lost that Midwestern spir- it,” Yusupov said. “He came a long way in a short time, in terms of becoming a notable person in the tech world. “Talented, technical, tenacious — Colin worked hard to bring things to life that will carry on long after his tragic passing.” Colin is survived by his parents, Alan Kroll and Catherine Kroll; brothers, Jason Kroll and Zachary Kroll (fiancée Michelle Wysocki); grandmother, Bert Kroll; uncles and aunts, Gene Kroll, Susan Kroll (Robert Lachow) and Michael (Terry) Church; cousin, Elizabeth Kroll; parents’ com- panions, Nancy Lafferty and Al Sanom; and friends and colleagues. He was the grandson of the late Richard Charles Kroll, the late Jack Church and the late Joan Church; nephew of the late David Church; cousin of the late Eric Church. Contributions may be made to Michigan Humane Society, 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025, (248) 283-1000, michiganhumane.org/tributes. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. ■ Innovative, Entrepreneurial and Humble WWW.HOM.ORG CALL 24/7 TOLLFREE: (888) 247-5701 CHOOSE THE EXPERTS Proud to partner with the Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network CARING FOR THE DETROIT JEWISH COMMUNITY SINCE 1980 32906 Middlebelt Rd (at 14 Mile) (248) 855-0007 Please see our menu at www.johnnypomodoros.com DAIRY TRAY FRUIT TRAY MEAT TRAY Johnny Pomodoro’ s is your ONE STOP SHOP for all of your needs! CANDY & NUT TRAY MARTY'S COOKIES Delivery Available Shiva Trays, Deli Nosh Dairy and Deli Trays, Marty’ s Cookie Trays, Johnny’ s Signature Fruit & Veggie Trays CALL JOHNNY’S FOR TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL SHIVA TRAYS. ESTHER ALLWEISS INGBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER