Julius H. Kramer's Obituary
Julius H. Kramer, son of Margaret (Borst) and Julius Kramer, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2023 at Cornerstone Hospice House in The Villages, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn (Brennan) Kramer, his daughter Carolyn Altinbasak, his sister Marjorie Smith, his eight grandchildren (Brennan, Andrew, Caroline, Stephen, Andrea, Erol, Sarah & Erin), his three great-grandchildren (Christian, Evia & Isla) and many relatives. He is pre-deceased by his son, Kenneth James, his daughter, Susan Elizabeth, his brother Joseph Kramer and sister Dorothy Keith.
Julius was loved by everyone who knew him, including the home care nurses. Everyone enjoyed his incredible sense of humor. He had a way of making everyone laugh, even when he was yelling at the New York Mets, saying, “You guy’s stink!” He watched them lose more than win but never gave up hope. He was a lifelong Mets fan. When he was a boy, he was a hand ball champion. He was a champion bowler on every bowling league he was on, but always felt sad he never got that 300 game (297). He has the trophies to prove it. He also bragged about always winning the pot in his age group in golf. He likely taught most of his grandchildren how to hold a club and hit the ball. He never let Kenny, Andrew, Stephen or anyone win any game. Julius was very competitive. Evelyn would yell at him saying, “Why can’t you let them win for once!”.
Julius and Evelyn were married 73 years. They met through mutual friends. They dated other people, but destiny stepped in, and they started dating after Evelyn’s boyfriend went into the Navy. On their first date, they went to the Valencia Theatre in Baisley Park to see “Buffalo Bill”, then went to dinner across the street from the theatre. He was 16, she was 15. They married on June 5, 1949 at the Church of St. Clement in Ozone Park. The reception was held in Julius’s family home on Linden Blvd., Jamaica, Queens. In 2019, they renewed their vows at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mt. Dora. Julius wanted to celebrate their 70th anniversary, so they had a wonderful party at the Stonybrook Yacht Club on Long Island. He was so happy to be with family and friends.
Julius had many jobs over his lifetime. His first job was pinsetter at the local bowling alley. Then he worked for Patent Scaffolding. His father-in-law John Brennan gave him a newspaper clipping with information about the Port Authority. He thanked him many times over the years for that. Julius graduated from the police academy in 1952. He was very proud to be a police officer for the Port Authority. He met President Hoover once and drove him from JFK airport into Manhattan. He told the aging President that his middle name was Herbert because his mother liked Hoover. He retired from the Port Authority in 1972, after serving 21 years. He wasn’t retired very long, though. A few months later he took a job as chauffeur for Michelin Tire Corp. in Lake Success. He enjoyed that job very much because he met all the big-wigs from France. He wished he learned French so he could understand what they were saying in the back seat. Julius retired again in 1991.
Julius was also a very dedicated father and grandfather. He moved his family to Long Island, even though it was further away from his job. He enjoyed gardening and tinkering in the garage. He hated dandelions. “Those darn weeds are going to kill my grass!” he said. He never missed Sunday Mass. He was very proud of his children when they performed, whether in the band or on stage. He loved to whistle and sing all his favorite tunes. He enjoyed mimicking Frank Sinatra, with his fedora, long black coat and pipe.
He never missed a birthday, thanks to Evelyn. He would call each of his grandchildren every year to sing “Happy Birthday” and never missed sending a card for every occasion. He enjoyed every moment he got to spend with them. He recently met his two great-granddaughters, Evia and Isla. He just beamed with delight to hold them.
Julius will be missed by all who knew him. Memories of him and the laughter he created will sustain us for many years to come.
Family and friends are invited to gather for viewing on Tuesday, April 18 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM and 5:00 - 7:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, April 19 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Leesburg.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared on the tribute wall.
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