The plumbing and heating industry mourns the loss of Bill Kranz, the visionary leader who built UTILITY into one of the nation’s most respected brands in professional plumbing and heating chemicals. Bill passed away on Friday, March 13, at the age of 99.

A leader known for his generosity, wit, and bold spirit, Bill Kranz dedicated his life to his family and to the industry he helped shape. His legacy is defined not only by business success, but by the lasting relationships and impact he made throughout his lifetime.

Born in 1927 to immigrant parents, Bill grew up in Brooklyn and served in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II. After returning home, he worked alongside his father in the roofing business and married his high school sweetheart, Lucille Abrams.

In 1955, Bill entered the plumbing and heating industry by purchasing Simplex Manufacturing, a producer of cast iron specialties, with his brother-in-law. While growing that business, he also represented leading product lines such as Mustee, Acme Brass, and Utility Laboratories.

Following the passing of UTILITY’s founder in 1963, the companies joined to form Simplex-Utility, manufacturing chemicals and cast-iron specialties for the industry. The business was sold in 1968 to Embassy Industries, a subsidiary of P & F Industries. In 1971, Bill repurchased the chemical division and established Utility Manufacturing Co., Inc.—laying the foundation for what UTILITY is today.

With the support of his sons, Eric and Audie Kranz, and Peter Tofte, the nephew of UTILITY’s founder, Bill grew UTILITY into a national brand. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly, including the acquisition and integration of Wonder-King Chemical. The product line grew to more than 110 chemical solutions and over 260 SKUs, while maintaining a key differentiator: unlike many competitors, UTILITY manufactured the majority of the products it sold.

Bill’s commitment to quality and service helped establish a portfolio of trusted, industry-leading products, including UTILITY Paste Soldering Flux, No-Drip Pipe Joint Compound, Do-All+PLUS Furnace Cement, Solvit and DGT degreasers, Grand Slam, Swift and Drain-A-Matic drain care solutions, Dry Steam, Liquid Heat, Odor Kill, and the No-Freez family of non-toxic antifreezes.

In 2002, Audie Kranz acquired the company from his father, continuing the family legacy. In 2026, the UTILITY brand proudly marks its 100th anniversary — a milestone rooted in Bill’s vision and leadership.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was deeply committed to philanthropy. He dedicated his time to Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services, a nonprofit providing mental health and substance use support. The organization has grown to offer approximately 60 programs and employs nearly 400 mental and social health professionals. In recognition of his contributions, CN Guidance has announced that its Ella Street residences will be renamed in his honor.

Bill is survived by his ex-wife, Lucille; his sons, Eric and Audie; and his grandchildren, Michael, Jillian, and Remi.

“My dad’s kindness, caring and influence is still felt by everyone and everything he touched. UTILITY reflected the quality of my dad’s life, and UTILITY continues to reflect his long living legacy.”  – Audie Kranz, president of UTILITY

UTILITY extends its deepest condolences to the Kranz family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.