Francis Joseph Kraus, Sr.

GENEVA - Joe Kraus, Sr. died peacefully on October 23, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.
Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday (Oct. 29) at the DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home, 181 N. Main St., Geneva, N.Y.
Memorial contributions in Joe's memory can be made to The Alzheimer's Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Region, 435 Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620.
He was born in Geneva, N.Y., on November 1, 1926, and was the son of Francis L. "Babe" Kraus and Margaret Brosmer Kraus of Geneva, N.Y. He was a graduate of DeSales High School and Hobart College. While at Hobart College, Joe was a three sport letterman in football, basketball and lacrosse and in 1949, while playing lacrosse for Hobart's legendary lacrosse coach, his father "Babe," Joe was honored as an All-American attackman. Upon graduation, Joe became a teacher and coach at Geneva High School. In 1958, he took a sales position with The Equitable Life Assurance Co. and later joined The American Optical Co. as a Regional Sales Manager, based in Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1966, he decided that teaching and coaching were his true callings. He returned to Geneva, N.Y., and spent the next twenty-five years teaching American History at Midlakes High School, and coaching football, golf and baseball. He also took over Kraus Real Estate, which was founded by his mother, Margaret, and was a business staple in Geneva for almost 50 years. Additionally, Joe was a lifelong referee for both high school and college lacrosse and football, and one of the highlights of his life was being chosen to referee professional football with the American Football League from 1961 to 1968.
Joe was an avid golfer who belonged, at various times, to Geneva Country Club, Seneca Lake Country Club and Clifton Springs Country Club. He always enjoyed gathering family and friends for member-guest tournaments or casual, but competitive, rounds of golf. He also loved horse racing and, on a any given day in his later years, could often be found placing a small wager at OTB. But nothing gave Joe more pleasure than spending time with his fun-loving family. He often said that the greatest accomplishment of his life with Joyce was their four children and their wonderful families.
Joe received excellent care during the past four years at Quail Summit and the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center, both in Canandaigua, N.Y. The family expresses their deepest gratitude to his loving and compassionate care givers at both facilities.
Just last January, Joe was predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Joyce Hilbert Kraus; he also leaves four cherished children, Joseph Jr. of Geneva, James (Kimball) of Skaneateles, Janet Fleming (Greg) of Savannah, Ga., and Jerome (Lori) of Trumansburg. Joe was blessed with ten grandchildren, Tim and Caroline Kraus, Ali (Kraus) Saccani, Torrey and Will Kraus, Katie and Mark Madia, and Jeremy, Tyler and Meghan Kraus; as well as three great-granddaughters, Siena Saccani, and Charley and Adelaide Fanning.
He was pre-deceased by his sister, Jean Kraus Maney, and is survived by his siblings, Jane Kraus Carney Current of Anderson, S.C. and Jon P. Kraus of Yuba City, Calif.
For those wishing to write a note of condolence, please visit
www.devaneybennettfh.com