Rabbi Menachem (Mendy) Raitport z”l, a beloved Crown Heights figure known both for his presence in the local food industry and his efforts in klal engagement, tragically lost his life in a fatal accident Tuesday night. He was 57 years old.
Rabbi Raitport was the father of eight and the husband of Esther. He once operated the Crown Kosher Meat Market on Kingston Avenue, a cornerstone of the community for many years.
More recently, he served as a menaker in the shechitah process, providing his expertise under several prominent hechsherim, including CHK and Skver, among others.
Although he never secured an elected position, Rabbi Raitport made multiple attempts to enter public office. His campaigns reflected a sincere desire to improve civic life, particularly in areas such as public safety, education, and local governance.
The fatal accident that claimed his life occurred in Georgia as he was traveling back to New York following Pesach, which he had spent in Florida.
Rabbi Raitport leaves behind his wife, Esther, and their children: Eliyahu, Yehuda, Shloimy, Dovid, Dubi, Avrami, Zevi, and Chanoch.
He is also mourned by his parents, Rav Yitzchok and Shaindel Raitport of Boro Park—well known for their philanthropic work—and by his siblings: Chana Kaplan, Chaim Raitport, Shloime Zalman Raitport, Yossi Raitport, Peshy Waxman, Miriam Rothberg, Ezriel Raitport, Moishe Raitport, Rivkah Raitport, Bracha Sternbach, Fraida Mindel Hess, and Batsheva Raitport. He was predeceased  by his brother, Sholom Dovber Raitport z”l.
{Matzav.com}