Robert Jay Kreines

Robert Jay "Uncle Bob" Kreines of Boulder Ave., Kingston died Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at Kingston Hospital. He was 95. He was born in Brooklyn on June 4, 1913, a son of the late Morris David and Sophie Pearl Seigel Kreines. An area resident since 1934, Mr. Kreines established a practice of Electrolysis in Kingston and Albany. He graduated from the Civil Defense Auxiliary Police Instructors School in April 1951. He opened his own shoe store "Bob's Famous Brand Shoes" at 72 North Front Street, Kingston. From 1956 - 1969 he owned and operated "Robert Kreines Shoe Store", Fair St., Kingston, specializing in prescription shoe fitting. In 1958 he opened the Catskill store. In 1959 he came up with "Tithing Days" which customers could designate any church or synagogue to receive 10% of total sales. This was such a success that it was continued each year, sometimes several times during the year. Mr. Kreines had a program on Radio WGHQ and WKNY on a mother's guide to shoe facts and foot care for children's feet. He was a member of the Prescription Footwear Association. In 1973 he ran for city alderman and in 1977 ran for Ulster County Legislature. Among many public service initiatives, Mr. Kreines advocated for disabled drivers, 911 Emergency Light service for the elderly, free smoke detectors and scanning holiday candy for children. A member of the Town of Ulster Lions Club, he belonged to the International Associaition of Lions Clubs. He also belonged to the B.P.O.E., Town of Ulster Kiwanis Club and the Ulster County Police Chiefs Association. Mr. Kreines received numerous awards from Police Chief's Associations, and was appointed to the Kingston Mayor's Task Force on Senior Citizen Activities. His wife Sandra Krakower Kreines died February 10, 1994. He was predeceased by two brothers Graham and Irwin Kreines, two sisters Vivian Smith and Evelyn Zemlock. Adorded father of Rosalie C. Schwartz of Northport; adorded companion of Lilia C. Szymkowicz and her loving family; grandfather of Allison G. Pressler and Evan S. Schwartz; great grandfather of Melissa Rose Pressler, Talia C. and Jeremy C. Schwartz. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Reposing at the Simpson - Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave. on Friday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A service of remembrance will conducted on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.