Milton Krantz

Mystic — Dr. Milton Kenneth Krantz, loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, passed away Friday, May 13, 2022, at StoneRidge in Mystic. Born in East Hartford, in 1928, he was the youngest of 11 children, and the first in his family to attend college.

He was an outstanding athlete and student in high school, also a class leader. He played soccer and basketball and managed to work at a local pharmacy as well. He received the only academic scholarship offered at his small high school. In 1945, he began his studies at UConn where he soon met his future wife, Bernice Gordon. They became inseparable at 17 years of age. They married in 1948. This marriage would last for almost 74 years.

At UConn, he majored in zoology, maintaining his high grades, holding down three simultaneous jobs, and playing basketball for his fraternity. After UConn, he attended the Illinois College of Podiatry in Chicago, where he and Bernice lived for four years. Daily, after school, Milton worked at a shoe store. He graduated second in his class of 90. Their oldest son Allen was born in 1951, in Chicago. He became a classical guitarist and composer and college teacher.

In 1952, Dr. Krantz began practicing in Milford, ultimately acquiring many associates and offices in the greater New Haven area.

Son James was born in 1954. When Jim became a podiatrist, his father proudly welcomed him into the large practice. In 1956, daughter Lauren was born. She became an architect. When her parents retired to Charlestown, R.I. she built their dream house on Ninigret Pond. It became a summer magnet for the grandchildren. Clamming, crabbing and tubing with grandpa were among the favorite activities.

Dr. Krantz, while living in Milford and Orange, was very involved in the communities. He had been chairman of the Milford Board of Health, chairman of the Milford library Association and president of the Jewish Temple and Community Center. He was very active in his national and state professional organizations. In 1972, he led the initiative to enact important legislation benefitting the entire podiatry community. In 1993, he retired from practice, having won many professional awards, including “Man of the Year.”

After retiring to Rhode Island, Dr. Krantz continued his volunteer efforts on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Ever the healer, he founded a free foot surgery clinic in a small local hospital in Mexico. It thrived seasonally for eight years. Beyond Mexico, Milt and Bernice continued their love for world travel, usually without an itinerary, just a car and a map.

When the Krantzes retired to StoneRidge in 2012, Milton continued volunteering for many committees. He also served on the residents council for one term.

All his life, he loved watching sports, especially the Red Sox, and UConn men’s basketball. He himself was an excellent tennis player, bridge player, gardener and sailor. Partners and sailors for over 35 years, the Krantzes and friends shared four successive boats. This lasting partnership was so unusual that the New York Times wrote a feature article about them and their boats. Milton Kenneth Krantz had a tremendous impact both on society and those who were privileged to know him. He was admired and loved by all; however, above all, he was a family man first. He will forever be remembered, especially by his wife Bernice, his children and their spouses, and four beloved grandchildren: Charlotte,

Brian, Bennett and Max.

Please make any contributions in his memory to Save the Children or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to your personal choice.