A

llen Krass, 92, of Bloomfield 
and Bal Harbour, Fla., died 
March 17, 2024. 
He was the cherished only child of 
Louis and Pauline Krass and was born 
in 1931 in Detroit. From a young age, 
Allen enjoyed a wonderful community 
with which he remained close for his 
entire life. His kindness and generosity 
of spirit generated more friends when he 
attended Cass Tech High, the University 
of Michigan Engineering 
School (He was a member 
of Alpha Epsilon Pi), and 
Wayne State University 
Law School. These bonds 
remained an integral part of 
his life to the very end.
While working for the 
Bendix Corporation, Allen 
built on his engineering 
foundation by studying 
for a law degree at night 
and then launched his own 
intellectual property law practice. He 
achieved great success in this field, 
patenting important inventions such 
as the retractable seatbelt, digital video 
recorder and programmable thermostat. 
In a notable case, he defended Here’s 
Johnny Portable Toilets in a trademark 
suit brought by Johnny Carson, which, 
to Allen’s delight, was depicted in a 
cartoon in the New Yorker magazine.
Allen was a trusted adviser to many. 
If a friend dreamed up an interesting 
idea, Allen enthusiastically documented 
and executed the necessary filings 
(frequently pro bono) to protect the 
invention. He often went further by 
inspiring and encouraging the inventors 
to become entrepreneurs and by 
supporting the launch of businesses for 
their innovative ideas. Young lawyers 
in his practice blossomed under his 
mentorship and many went on to 
become leaders in the field themselves. 
After selling his practice, Allen closed 
out his career as a valued adviser to 
his son at IPD Analytics. In 1962, he 

married the love of his life, Rosita, the 
cousin of his best friend. He quickly 
became a devoted son-in-law to Leon 
and Celia Grynbal. Allen and Rosita 
were blessed with three children, 
Howard (Stephanie Dimperio), Jennifer 
(Mike Bruynesteyn) and Michelle 
(Andrew Silberstein). They have 
seven grandchildren who were deeply 
cherished by their Zaydie. Nothing 
was more important to Allen than Lila, 
Adam, Olivia, Charlie, Jack, 
Charlotte and Julia.
Allen and Rosita shared 
many passions. They 
explored the world together 
often with friends, including 
several exciting scuba 
diving adventures. Allen 
was very proud of Rosita’s 
well-known cooking talent 
and they frequently enjoyed 
hosting lively dinner parties. 
They were members of 
several international food clubs and 
attended cooking schools and classes 
together. Tennis played a huge role in 
their lives; they were active members 
of the Detroit Tennis & Squash Club 
for decades and Allen played almost 
daily well into his late 80s. Allen was a 
voracious reader and possessed a deep 
well of knowledge that informed his 
conversations with friends and that his 
children and grandchildren found to 
be a terrific resource throughout their 
school years.
Allen’s sparkling eyes and low chuckle 
will be sorely missed by Rosita, his 
children, his grandchildren and others 
he inspired.
Interment took place in Florida. 
There will be memorial service held 
in the Detroit area at a later date. 
Contributions may be made to Facing 
History and Ourselves, 89 South 
St., Suite 401, Boston, MA 02111, 
facinghistory.org/get-involved/make-
donation. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman 
Chapel. 

He Inspired Many

Allen Krass

DAVID JOSEPH 
BURCH, 73, of West 
Bloomfield, died 
March 14, 2024. 
Affectionately 
known as “Op-pah” 
to his grandsons, David Burch 
was quick with a smile and a joke 
and truly never met a stranger in 
all his days. Professionally, Mr. 
Burch was a pioneer in helping 
small manufacturers navigate 
globalization, including in China, 
which he visited a number 
of times, making a lifelong 
impression. 
He served as president of the 
Camden County Navy League 
and as an emergency room 
volunteer for many years. He was 
passionate about family, service, 
classic rock and beagle rescue. 
His grandsons were his greatest 
joy. 
He is survived by daughters, 
Sara (Andy) Meisner and 
Samantha Burch of Washington, 
D.C.; beloved grandsons, Asher, 
Levi and Jonah; life partner, 
Marci Burch; mother-in-law, 
Frances Dolgin; five brothers and 
sisters; five nieces and nephews.
Contributions may be 
made to the Last Day Rescue. 
Arrangements by Dorfman 
Chapel.

c. 1960 

PHILIP SEYMOUR 
DANO, 86, of 
Naples, Fla., died 
March 17, 2024. 
He is survived by 
his wife, Marilyn 
Dano; sons and 
daughters-in-law, Lawrence Dano 
and Kristy Zhuang, Eric and 
Vivian Dano; daughter and son-
in-law, Jacqueline “Jackie” and 
James Greiner; grandchildren, 
Carla Dano-Arango, Stephanie 
Dano, Brian Dano, Alexander 
Dano, Garrett Greiner, Abigail 
Greiner; many other loving 
family members. 

OBITUARIES
OF BLESSED MEMORY

88 | MARCH 28 • 2024 

