Abe Kravitz, 102.

WORCESTER Abe Kravitz, 102, formerly of 34 Winifred Ave., died on Sunday, January 25th in the Jewish Healthcare Center.

His wife, the love of his life for 81 years, Lillian (Cohen) Kravitz died 3 months ago on October 13th.

He leaves three sons, David Kravitz and his wife Roberta of Worcester, Rubin Kravitz and his wife Annabelle of Virginia Beach and Melvin Kravitz and his wife Loretta of Belmont, nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson. He was predeceased by a great-grandson, Devin Kravitz.

He was born in East Otis, MA and was the son of Abraham and Rebecca (Gotlieb) Kravitz and moved to Worcester 80 years ago.

His mother died when he was ten, and his father moved them to Westboro where he owned a dairy farm on Route 9. Abe, an only child, would get up at 4:30 AM to help milk the fifty cows that made up the "Hamisha" homestead. Early hours were part of his life. He later attended Clark University, taking business courses. At eighteen he went to work for a shoe company in Norwich, CT.

He worked as manager of Weiners Grocery for twenty eight years. After that he opened his own store, Loring Market. His wife, Lillian, helped at the store while the children were at school. After leaving Loring Market, Abe and his wife opened a kosher meat market with Lillians brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Esther Cohen, in Framingham.

For 26 years he was the Executive Director of Beth Israel Synagogue. During that time he began kosher catering. Along with his wife, he catered Passover Seders, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Weddings, baby namings and synagogue events. He was in charge of evening services and was a life member of the congregation, its board of directors and Brotherhood. In 1979 the Beth Israel Synagogue Yearbook was dedicated to Abe for his many years of volunteering. In 1987 the synagogue yearbook was dedicated to Abe and his wife, Lillian, in honor of his retirement and their continued dedication to the synagogue.

He was Chancellor-Commander of the Knights of Pythias, Damascus Lodge for many years. He hosted meetings at his home on a regular basis.

In 2001, the Worcester Telegram printed an article on Abe and Lillian entitled "93 Busy Years"; the couple still giving a helping hand to those less fortunate. As volunteers for Rachels Table, they would deliver to local food pantries for many years and were the oldest volunteers.

He visited the sick in the hospitals and nursing homes. He was a member of the Jewish Community Center Mens Talk and attended weekly breakfast meetings.

After retirement, he and his wife spent their winters in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Funeral services will be held at 10 A.M., TODAY, MONDAY, JANUARY 26TH in BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE on JAMESBURY DRIVE. Burial will be in BNai Brith Cemetery.

Memorial Observance will be thru 6 PM on Monday, January 26th at the Jewish Healthcare Center at 629 Salisbury St. and 1 PM to 8 PM on Tuesday, January 27th and on Wednesday, January 28th at the residence of David and Roberta Kravitz at 315 June St.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Beth Israel Synagogue on Jamesbury Drive, Worcester, MA 01609 or to the Jewish Heathcare Center, 629 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609.

Perlman Funeral Home is directing funeral arrangements.

ART: PHOTO