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Donald Kriss

Donald KrissDonald Alan Kriss, formerly the executive director at BMH-BJ in Denver, passed away Sept. 19, 2015, in Jacksonville, Fla. He was 61. Services were held Sept. 21 at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. Burial followed the services.

Mr. Kriss was born Dec. 4, 1953, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Ilene and Stanley Kriss.

He graduated from George Washington High School in Denver and immediately joined the cast of “”Up With People”” in 1972.

Following the tour, Mr. Kriss enrolled at Arizona State University and graduated in 1977.

He met Janet Chapin Kriss, the love of his life, at college.

Known throughout the country as a dynamic synagogue director, he served congregations in Tucson and St. Louis in addition to BMH-BJ.

Mr. Kriss was executive director of the Jacksonville Jewish Center at the time of his death.

Recently honored as a fellow in synagogue administration, he loved his family, helping Jewish communities and fishing.

Mr. Kriss is survived by his wife Janet; mother Ilene Rosen Thompson (James Thompson); sister Ronda Kriss (Jewell) Manspeaker and brother Aron (Sharon) Kriss; children Leah Kriss (John) Ribaudo and Joel Kriss; stepsisters Julie (Rick) Avirett and Laurie Thompson (Walter) Barton; and new grandson Finley Ribaudo.

He was predeceased by his father Stanley Kriss.

Copyright © 2015 by the Intermountain Jewish News




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