Communication Systems Engineer

Robert L. Krantz Sr., 91, of Unison, Virginia, born April 16, 1921, in New York City, NY, passed away peacefully on January, 26, 2013, at the Warren County Hospital in Front Royal, Virginia from a lengthy illness.

He was the only child of Frederick L. Krantz and Marietta Reirden Krantz. He spent his childhood living between New York City and Old Greenwich, CT.

He graduated from Greenwich High School with the class of 1939 and later received his BA in Military Science, from the University of Maryland.

He was a member of the General Motors Parade of Progress until WWII began. At that time, at age 20, he enlisted in the Army Air Core and became a pilot.

He married Edna Ann Winters, from Providence, R.I., in Coffeyville, Kansas, while in the second phase of his flight training.

His vast knowledge in defense communication systems allowed him to be a mentor to thousands of others working in the defense industry. He and most of his peers spent much time overseas in the company of the military, embassy staff, and other more covert arenas. It was for people like him that the nation today is a safer place to live than it was during the Cold War.

He enjoyed his retirement to the fullest living on his farm in Unison, with his wife of 70 years, Edna Krantz, his herd of Black Angus and keeping his farm equipment operational. He stayed active and involved with the Loudoun County Library Foundation, The Loudoun County Hospital Sale ( in charge of electronics ), Election Polls, reading, writing his autobiography and spending many hours each day on his computers keeping informed and in touch with his many friends around the world.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Edna Ann Winters Krantz, daughter Joyce W. Westfall of Unison, VA., her daughter Andrea Fonash and her three daughters, Amelia Fonash, Penelope Fonash, Isabella Fonash all of Chester Springs, PA., her son Chad Westfall and his wife Morgen Westfall of Pottsville, PA. His son Jeffery H. Krantz and his wife Beverly J.Krantz and their daughter Kara Krantz of Haymarket, VA. The family of his eldest son Robert L. Krantz Jr., who pre-deceased him, his wife Emily K. Krantz of Clifton, VA., son Robert L. Krantz III and his wife Katie Krantz and their three children, Ella Krantz, Cely Krantz, Robert Krantz all of Washington D.C., and step-son Edward Martin and his wife Stacy Martin of Gainsville, VA.

The family suggests that contributions be made to: Wounded Warriors, www.woundedwarriorproject.org ; The Philomont Fire Department, 36560 Jeb Stuart Rd., Philomont, VA.