Wendell "Sunny" Kravitz

Hampton - Wendell “Sunny” Kravitz, 94, of Hampton, NH passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born in Boston, MA on March 28, 1930, Sunny was the son of the late Harry and Sadie (General) Kravitz. He was the loving husband for 68 years of Barbara (Krasin) Kravitz. Sunny is survived by his children: Randall Kravitz, his wife Susan, and their son Bradley of Marlborough, MA; Jodi Kravitz of Hampton, NH; and Jay Kravitz and his partner Becca Henry of Oakland, CA. Raised and educated in Newton, MA, Sunny received his undergraduate degree from Drew University and later worked towards a Masters Degree at Columbia University. He was a lifelong learner, often reading or listening to multiple books a week. He kept a list of banned books and was determined to read every one. Sunny’s passion for history, coupled with an understanding of its relevance to current affairs, drove him to work fearlessly to improve conditions wherever he saw need or opportunity. History was not just a subject of study but a road map for action. His zest for community service and local and global politics reflected his deep commitment to civic duty and positive change. In Hampton, Sunny will be remembered for his visionary approach to the town’s continued vitality, serving on the Lane Library Board, and the Energy and Budget Committees. Sunny served in the US Army from 1952 to 1954, during which time his deployment to Korea profoundly impacted him. In addition to his assigned role as a military historian, he taught English and built strong bonds with the local community. He forged his own path and ultimately dedicated himself to housing and caring for displaced children–an early testament to his selflessness, empathy, and belief in the value of life. Sunny returned from the war to work most of his professional career in the family business, side by side with his beloved father and later his sons in Merchant’s Beef Company, and eventually his venture, SWEN’s Wholesale Foods. Later in life he worked in health insurance promoting the needs of small businesses and implementing ideas ahead of his time; his final work chapter was as a bank archivist. Sunny’s love and support were defined more by actions than by words. He embodied perseverance and a relentless energy. He will be remembered for his brilliant forward thinking and problem solving, open and accepting nature, uncanny sense of direction, creative cooking, generosity, and legendary sense of mischief. In the words of a family friend, Sunny was, “a man of great conviction and humor - a powerful combination.” Sunny’s impact will echo far into the future, a testament to a big heart that touched all who knew him. In keeping with his wishes, services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sunny’s memory to your favorite charity or to :: Beacon Hospice, An Amedisys Care Center by clicking here. Or by mail to: Beacon Hospice Care, an Amedisys Company (0917) 25 New Hampshire Ave Suite 272 Portsmouth, NH 03801

Wendell "Sunny" Kravitz

March 28, 1930 - September 3, 2024