Karl S. Kritz, 88

Posted

MIAMI BEACH, FLA. – Cantor Karl S. Kritz died on June 25. He was the beloved husband of Harriet A. Kritz. Born in Providence, a son of the late Morris and Minnie (Slavsky) Kritz, he had lived in Miami Beach for 15 years, previously living in Providence and Long Beach, New York.

His career as a cantor spanned 68 years, serving Temple Beth Shalom and Temple Beth Israel in Providence; Westchester Jewish Center, Mamaroneck, New York; Temple Israel, Long Beach; and East Meadow Jewish Center, East Meadow, New York. Many Rhode Islanders fondly remember the Yiddish Music Review he hosted in the 1950s on WSAR radio. Appointed by Gov. Frank Licht, he served for many years as chairman of the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium commission. An accomplished baritone, he appeared in several operas including “Rigoletto” alongside his friend, tenor Jan Peerce. His greatest joy was performing in concert with Harriet, his wife of 70 years.

He is also survived by his three sons, Alan and his wife, Lisa, of Sharon, Massachusetts, Jerry and his wife, Gail, of Nottingham, Pennsylvania, and Neil and his wife, Fran, of Silver Spring, Maryland, along with six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Arnold H. Kritz.

Donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 2348 Post Road, #202, Warwick, RI 02886, or your favorite charity.

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