Joel P. Krensky

Born to immigrant parents from Lithuania, Carl and Sarah Krensky, he grew up in Boston and became a civil rights leader for decades beginning in the 1950s. He worked closely with his cherished friends Otto and Muriel Snowden at Freedom House, having the role of vice president for years, as he shunned the limelight but was devoted to the work. Joel served in the Pacific in WWII as a most proud Marine. Those years informed his worldview; he carried the strength he accessed in those experiences into everything he did. In mid-life, Joel bought a travel franchise and contributed to the welfare of the people where he and Bea journeyed, including Israel and the former Soviet Union. Joel loved family and community and was known for his Hanukkah parties, trivia skills, and for leading by example. He lived a life of service and integrity, inspiring everyone he knew with a wonderful morality and work ethic.

Joel was the loving husband of the late Bea Krensky, devoted father of Joyce Krensky (David Strauss) and Alan Krensky (Maureen); cherished grandfather of Sonja Solomon (Daniel), Daniel Rakowski, Mollie Krensky, and Madison Roman (Andrew); and loving great-grandfather of Jonah and Ori Solomon and Hannah Roman. All loved and adored him deeply.

Funeral services on Wednesday, December 27 at 1:30 pm at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington Street, Canton. Interment at Crawford Street Memorial Park at the Baker Street Jewish Cemeteries, West Roxbury. Shivah will be at the home of Joel’s daughter, Joyce on Thursday evening from 7-9 pm, Friday from 2:30-4:30 and Saturday evening from 7-9 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Joel’s memory to Freedom House in Roxbury, the Marines’ Toys for Tots program, and Congregation Beth Shalom of the Blue Hills of Milton.