Dr. Walter R. Krefetz, 78, passed away peacefully at home on Friday December 27, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 20, 1946 in Chelsea, MA to Morris and Minnie (Cohen) Krefetz, he grew up in a triple-decker house with his extended family. The R&B groups that formed the soundtrack of his childhood sparked his lifelong love for music. He attended Boston University and then moved to New York City, only to meet the love of his life JoAnn on a trip back to Boston. Walter graduated with the inaugural class of the SUNY College of Optometry in Manhattan, and he and JoAnn married in 1975. Together they moved to upstate New York where Walter opened his optometry practice. He was beloved by his patients in Schenectady and Niskayuna, where he raised his own family and treated many of the same families for decades. Walter and JoAnn were longtime members of Congregation Agudat Achim in Schenectady and instilled the importance of Jewish tradition and continuity in their children. Walter’s quick sense of humor always lifted the spirits of his friends, family, and patients.
In 2017, Walter retired from his practice. His characteristic determination allowed him to battle Parkinson’s disease for over a decade, during which he enjoyed trips and visits with his family and saw his grandchildren grow. During the pandemic, he and JoAnn moved from their longtime home in Niskayuna to Albany. Walter and JoAnn were deeply involved in a Parkinson’s support and caregivers community where they made true friends who understood and shared their struggle. Many dear friends from near and far provided support and comfort to Walter and JoAnn over many years, a gift which was appreciated beyond words. Walter is survived by his wife of 49 years JoAnn, his son Joshua (Diana), his daughter Rachel Fyall (Chris), his four granddaughters, his brother Elliott (Sharon), his sister Sarazita (the late Gerald), and his nieces and nephews.
Donations in memory of Walter can be made to Help for Parkinson’s, 505 Crooks Grove Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or www.helpforpd.org. Donations can also be made to the Congregation Agudat Achim general fund.
Funeral services will take place graveside on Sunday, December 29th at 1:00 pm at Agudat Achim Cemetery, 100 Mt. Stuart Road, Schenectady (in Rotterdam)
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