IN MEMORIAM

Frank J. Kranitz, 92, Richfield;

WWII Vet Owned Lake-In-Pines

RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Frank Joseph Kranitz, 92, World War II veteran and owner of the Lake-n-Pines Motel on Otsego Lake for many years, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, Nov. 12, 2018, at the Saint Johnsville Rehabilitation Center in Montgomery County.

He was born on Oct. 12, 1926, in Woodside, Queens, son of the late Joseph and Mary Tones Kranitz. Frank was raised in Queens where he graduated high school.

After graduation, he answered the call of his country by enlisting in the Army during World War II.

He served as a rifleman in central Europe and fought at the Battle Bulge. He was the recipient of the Occupation Medal of ETO, EAME Campaign Medal, one Bronze Battle Star, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on April 27, 1947, attaining the rank of Private First Class.

On Sept. 12, 1965, he was united in marriage to the former Geraldine Hauser in Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown.

For 28 years, Mr. Kranitz owned and operated the Lake-n-Pines Motel in Cooperstown. He retired in 1992.

Frank had a strong sense of community and was a member of Hugick, Purcell & Shepard American Legion Post No. 616, Richfield Springs and the Blind Veterans Association. He was a member and Past Master of Otsego Lodge No. 138 Free and Accepted Masons, a Past Excellent Master of the Royal Arch Masons No. 26, ZIyara Shrine, Otsego Commandery No. 76 Knights Templar, Kentucky Colonel and Honorary citizen of Louisville, Ky., as well as a member of Buechel Lodge No. 896 Free and Accepted Masons in Louisville, Ky.

To all who knew him they will never forget a kind, gentle and caring gentleman with an unforgettable smile. He will be sadly missed by his many friends and family, especially his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving him are his devoted wife of fifty-three years, Geraldine; a son, Frank Kranitz and his wife, Joyce of Richfield Springs; two daughters and their husbands, Geraldine and Timothy Krull of Saint Mary’s, Pennsylvania, Linda and William Collins of Warren; 10 grandchildren, Cassandra, Cheryl, Phillip, Claire, Katie, Matthew, Christine, Thomas, Katy and John; three great-grandchildren; two nieces; and five nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Eugene and Joseph Kranitz; and a sister, Martha Kranitz.

Calling hours for Mr. Kranitz will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 15, in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 16, at Saint Joseph the Worker R.C. Church, Richfield Springs with Father Silvastar Sarihaddula, Pastor officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Richfield Springs.

Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Richfield Springs Volunteer Fire Department. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Members of Otsego Lodge No. 138 F&AM; are asked to meet at the funeral home on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. for ritualistic services.