Robert C. Kraft

Robert C. Kraft , 80, Frackville, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 25th at Tower Health Reading Hospital.

Born in Ashland, he was a son of the late Luther and MaryEllen (Keim) Kraft. Bob worked in the maintenance department at Boscov's and North Schuylkill School District until his retirement.

Bob was a 1961 graduate of the former Ashland High School where he excelled in sports playing football, basketball, baseball and track and field. He went on to graduate from Murray State Junior College in Oklahoma with an Associate's Degree.

Bob was a United States Air Force Veteran stationed at Elmendorf in Anchorage, Alaska during the earthquake in 1964; he played multiple sports during his enlisted times.

Bob was active in his local community where he was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Frackville and taught Sunday School. He was a member of the Frackville Jaycees, Frackville American Legion Post 398, Frackville Senior Citizens where he enjoyed traveling on their long trips, Friendship Fire Company Englewood, Frackville Ambulance, where he served as the Former Chief, American Red Cross and American Heart - CPR and First Aid Instructor, EMT Instructor; he coached youth sports for the  Ashland Black Diamonds and Frackville Mountaineers; he coached football for the North Schuylkill Spartans and served as an EMT, Baseball Statistician, Game Manager and Ticket Collector for the North Schuylkill Athletic Department.

As his time as an athlete, Bob played semi-pro for the Ringtown A's Baseball Organization and the Schuylkill County Coal Crackers Football. He was inducted into the Jerry Wolman, Northern Anthracite Chapter, Pennsylvania Hall of Fame.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra Holmes; a nephew, Michael Cataldo; a stillborn brother, Mark Kraft; brother-in-law, Gerald Stromsky.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Kathy M. (Klock) Kraft, Frackville; his daughter Jennifer L. Kraft, Frackville; his sisters: Sharon Cataldo and her husband Joe, Ashland; Betty Stromsky, Lititz; nephew, Joseph R. Cataldo; niece, Amy Kwiatkowski; his niece and  god-daughter, Stephanie Stamm; his brother-in-law, Mickey Holmes; his great nieces, Rachael Cataldo and Erin (Taylor) Pecika and their son EJ; his loving dogs and companions, Tucker and Sadie Mae; also survived by additional nieces and nephews.

Graveside services with military honors will be held on Friday at 11:30 a.m. from Schuylkill Memorial Park Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven with Msgr. William Glosser officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in Robert's name, to the Friendship Fire Company PO Box 157 Frackville, PA 17931 or to the charity of your choice.

Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.