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SEARCHKrapf School Bus's longtime CEO is remembered for his business acumen, industry advocacy, and commitment to his family.
The former NSTA award winner, president, and SBF award winner, served on both the NSTA and Pennsylvania association's boards until his passing.
Photo: NSTA/School Bus Fleet
On Oct. 21, 2025, the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) shared that its former president and chairman of the Krapf Group, Blake Krapf, died at his Pennsylvania home Oct. 18 at age 55.
Krapf started working at the family business as his grandfather's apprentice at age 12, learning the industry first by cleaning buses. Throughout school and after, he remained active in sports and enjoying the great outdoors.
In 1995, he began his role as CEO of Krapf School Bus, which he held onto for 25 years. His work is credited for the company's growth and expansion, which now is one of the 10 largest school bus contractors in the country.
Krapf was an active member of the Pennsylvania School Bus Association (PSBA) and the National School Transportation Association (NSTA), serving as PSBA president from 2014–2016 and NSTA president from 2017–2019. He continued to serve on the boards of both organizations until his passing.
He was inducted into the NSTA Hall of Fame for his contributions to the industry, and received the NSTA Go Yellow Award, Go Green Award, and the NSTA Contractor of the Year award.
Krapf also was named School Bus Fleet's Contractor of the Year in 2010.
Blake Krapf served as CEO of Krapf School Bus for 25 years.
Photo by Time Inc., courtesy of IC Bus
Deeply passionate about the industry, Krapf was a tireless advocate in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., often testifying on behalf of contractors and writing to legislators in support of policies that strengthened the school bus community, NSTA wrote about him. "His leadership, integrity, and willingness to mentor others earned him the respect of colleagues nationwide. Many contractors turned to Blake for his insight, guidance, and friendship. He especially enjoyed attending meetings and conventions — not only to support the industry he loved, but to share in the camaraderie that defined it."
Krapf is survived by his wife, parents, five children, two brothers, and extended family members.
Services will be held on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Hopewell United Methodist Church in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.
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