Donn W. Krantz “Gramps”

A man who believed in Salamanca.

Donn Krantz of Salamanca died unexpectedly December 13, 2017 at home.

He was the youngest son of the late Leon and Mabel (Clemons) Krantz.

He was a graduate of Salamanca Schools. Early in his life, Donn enjoyed lifeguarding at the Allegany State Park and worked for the railroad in Salamanca for a short period. Because of his love for the sun, beach and warmth after graduation Donn headed to Florida to work at the prestigious “Biltmore and Whitehead Resorts” at Miami Beach. It was at this point that he fell in love with Florida later buying property in Satellite Beach where Donn took his family later to spend their spring breaks.

In 1955, he enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict where he served as Military Police in 1st Division “Big Red One”. After his service and returning back to the area Donn pursued many careers including being a counselor at the New York State Division of Youth in Great Valley, a WGGO Radio Broadcaster, a successful flooring salesman with Allied Eastern Carpet where he earned top honors with his sales. He was also a successful Real Estate Broker in New York and Florida. These career endeavors gave him a vast knowledge of life’s experiences. His spare time was spent boating at Onoville with family and friends. Donn was a member of the Salamanca JayCees where he was director of the Cattaraugus County Beauty Pageant and assisted with New York State Pageantry. He served as a member of the Salamanca IDA.

In the 1980’s during his children’s high school years Donn was very active in the Salamanca Warrior Booster Club. In 1982, seeing a need for an all-weather track at his alma mater he, his wife, Judy and brother in law, Ross Peters came up with the All Sports Booster Club Drawing. $875,000 has been generated over the past 35 years with proceeds benefiting a “state of the art track” in the mid 80’s and helping the school athletic clubs with their sporting needs. He loved following his son and grandsons high school and collegiate sporting events wearing that “famous white baseball hat” while standing on the sidelines. Donn was instrumental in the development of Salamanca. During the 1970’s and 80’s Fisher’s Big Wheel, and the present day McDonalds were brought to his hometown as part of his dream to make Salamanca prosperous. He also bought and renovated the “Old City Hall” on Main Street renovating it into apartments and office space. His vision of Salamanca continued as he co-bought with his friend, Robert Hoag, the Dudley Motor Hotel hoping to return it to its former glory as a premier hotel and restaurant.

His retired years, were spent keeping up with politics, social issues and reading newspapers and history books. He often was seen driving around town, stopping at his “favorite pit stops” to visit friends. Donn was a member of the VFW, American Legion and former Moose Club.

Surviving is his daughter, Karin (Jud) Hager of Cuba, NY, son, Christopher Krantz of Elmira, NY. Grandsons Justin Hager of Boston, MA and Jacob(Kaila) Hager of Buffalo, NY. Sister in Laws Wendy(Peter) Smith of Olean, NY and Judy Peters of Ellicottville. Sister, Marcia (William) Shinners of Toldeo, OH and Gary “Coop” (Marge) Krantz of Salamanca, NY and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Darin in 1982. Brothers: Robert, Leon(Bill), James. Sisters: Mary Jane “Dude”, Noel and Kay. His former wife, Judy Krantz, Brother in law’s Ross A. Peters and Jack Marriner.

A memorial service will be held at the O’Rourke & O'Rourke Inc Funeral Home Sunday, December 17 at 10 am.

Burial will be at Crawford Cemetery with military honors in the spring.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.