Jacob A. Kraut, of Fairfield, died March 31.  Shalom, Jacob, shalom.  “Peace; prosperity; contentment; completeness; security; safety; friendship…” He was born on August 18, 1918 to one of the oldest and most prominent Jewish families in Bridgeport. He was the son of the late Etta Nabel and Herman Kraut. “Jack” Kraut personified the many, beautiful meanings of the Hebrew word, “shalom.”  Mr. Kraut lived tirelessly to bring the hope of wholeness to individuals, to families, to groups within the community and to the community as a whole.  He was philanthropic and generous.  To the countless who needed him, he provided holiday feasts, children’s holiday cheer, tuitions, medical care, the end to disputes, places to go.  Jack Kraut was accomplished.  He graduated from Warren Harding High School in 1935 and the University of Connecticut College of Pharmacy in 1940.  He served in the infantry of the U.S. Army.  He was a philanthropist to, among others, Bridgeport Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital, the Jewish Community Center of Bridgeport, the Jewish Home for the Elderly,  Yeshiva University, University of Connecticut and Columbia University Medical Center.  He served as president of both Congregation Adath Israel and Congregation Ahavath Achim. He was the chairman of the Va-ad Hakashruth,  chairman of the ritual committee and held numerous other positions of leadership.  He was honored many times by Congregation Ahavath Achim and the Yeshiva University  for his dedication and service in the community. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a Life Member of Temple Lodge No.127, a member of the Shriners of the Masonic Order, and a Life Member of the Pharmacy Alumni Association, life member University of Connecticut alumni, life member board of directors Ahavath Achim, life member the Jewish Home for the Elderly Men’s Club to name a few.  Jack Kraut founded and presided over C&K Construction Company for over 30 years, owned and operated, the Kraut luncheonette for 36 years and was a trusted pharmacist at Switzers pharmacy  in Southport, Conn. until he was well into his 80’s.  His personal accomplishments, however, were instrumental in benefiting others. The father-figure to many, Jack Kraut couldn’t help but share his love and leadership in a way that created an extended family with his community(ies).  His sense of fairness and honor was infectious.  For decade upon decade, he guided and counseled.  And so, the Kraut community grew—always for the better.  But who inspired and sustained him?  His wife of 65 years, Gertrude Brown Kraut, son, Herman (of Fairfield) daughter Deborah and son-in-law Ron Shear (of Westport and New York City) but above all, his granddaughters, Carlyn Kraut Shear and Morgan Kraut Shear, whom he helped with physics problems and college applications until the very end. He  also has two sisters Harriet Gerstl and Sondra Kohler and her husband, Connie Kohler, sisters-in-law, Sophie Brown Levin of St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada and Terry Brown Berlin and her husband Henry Berlin of Charleston, South Carolina, Pauline Brown of Bridgeport, Conn. and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Freida Kraut of Bridgeport, Conn. “Shalom” is also a Friday night greeting sung by angels who accompany each person home.  “Shalom” means “tranquility of heart and mind.; to be perfect and full.; harmony; a greeting; a mighty blessing; rest…  Shalom, Jack, shalom.  Donations may be made in his memory to: Congregation Ahavath Achim 1571Stratfield Road Fairfield, Conn. 06825.
Funeral arrangement in care of The Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home of Fairfield