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Peter Kraft Obituary
Peter F. Kraft, 68, of Bethlehem, died at Hospice House of the V.N.A. of St. Lukes, Bethlehem, on July 21, 2007. Born on October 16, 1938, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Mary (Flynn) Kraft. Pete and his wife Ann Marie (Fortune) Kraft were married for 46 years on May 13. He graduated from St. Marys High School, Wilkes-Barre, and later served in the Navy. Pete was the vice president and co-owner of Independent Testing Labs, Searcy, Arkansas. He was an avid baseball and Penn State fan. He volunteered at Freemansburg Bethlehem Township Athletic Association for 27 years. Pete was inducted into the Northampton County American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 and will be inducted into the Pennsylvania American Legion Sports Hall of Fame on August 6, 2007. Pete was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Miller Heights. Survivors: Wife; two children, Melissa Carrigan, Peter Kraft and his wife, Elise; three grandchildren, Ryan, Kayleigh, Alyssa; sister, Veronica Heston and her husband, James, of Denver, Pa.; several nieces and nephews. Services: A visitation will be held in Connell Funeral Home Inc., 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem on Wednesday, July 25, 2007, from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Thursday, July 26, 2007, from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday in the church. Online condolences may be made at www.connellfuneral.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to F.B.T.A.A., Box 3043, Freemansburg, PA 18017 or Sacred Heart School, 2nd Street, Bethlehem, PA 18020.
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Memories and Condolences
for Peter Kraft
James Davis
August 11, 2007
Dear Anne Marie:
It was with a sad heart that we left for vacation in July, because we knew Pete would leave us while we were away. And sure enough he did. You could not find a more caring and loving man in such a gruff exterior. If you didn't get to know him, it is a shame because then you realized how much he taught, not only by being a coach, but just by being around. We miss you Pete.
Jim and Linda Davis, Graeme, Cal and Cody. He was one heck of a guy.
eric baran
August 1, 2007
Pete was my coach when i was 14. We had a game @ Northampton, Pete asked me if could pitch...I said sure Mr. Kraft. He asked if I knew how to windup...if i could throw a curve...or something offspeed. I said no to all three. He said OK...can you throw from the stretch like in little league? Yes, you're pitching today...that's how i got into pitching and i'll always thank you Pete.
Sandy Martin
July 28, 2007
To the Kraft family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May you always remember the good times and may it give you comfort. Sandy Wheeler Martin
Michael Bays
July 27, 2007
Kraft family:
I am so sorry for your loss, Mr. Kraft was not only a great friend to our family, but he will be well remembered as our favorite baseball coach at Freemansburg. Mr Kraft was Freemansburg baseball. My prayers will be with you all.
Mike Bays and family
July 26, 2007
Ann Marie and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Pete.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From the years of Peter in kindergaten, and Pete as a Dad at SHS to our own son Mark at FBTTA our lifes have crossed.In all, we knew Pete for 30 years.
And in those thirty years he taught us how to give of yourself completly to a cause. Never to step down from what you beleive in, even if it is not what others want to hear. And to always put the good of the organization you are working for before your own good. These are the things he has taught us ....we hope we have taken some of that with us.
Peter and Melissa know that your father loved you both and spoke of you both often to everyone. Live your life knowing that all you do from this day on will truly be your Dad's whole lifes work. As you really are what his whole life was about.
Ann Marie..don't need to tell you that you were the love of his life. Do not think there has ever been a man that had more respect for a women than he had for you. Hold on to the memories.
And finally ..the most comforting of all words " Do not dwell upon my death..But celebrate my life.
Kathy and Barry Pavlish
Melissa Wagner
July 25, 2007
Dear Pete,
It's been awhile since we spoke with each other but I wanted to send my heartfelt condolences on your father's passing. I hope you and your family are well.
Sandy Brulo
July 25, 2007
Dear Ann Marie, Melissa and Peter,
My memeories go back to my days at Sts. Peter&Paul when Pete coached the basketball team and actually made a manager out of Bobby Ference. I also remember many great times at the Ference's including changing Melissa's diaper. Pete was passionate about coaching and yes I remember him getting tossed out at the CYC for being so "passionate." Pete was special and he touched the lives of so many. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Gene Brady
July 25, 2007
You have my prayers and condolences for your loss. Pete will always have a special part in my memory as a first cousin. Who spent a good deal of time at family events, dodger baseball and Penn State Football, but mostly for being such a close relative.
I’m away on a schedule trip and regret that I am unable to attend the services but we will attend Mass in New Mexico and he will be in our prayers.
Linda Foster
July 24, 2007
Our thoughts are with you and your family, Joe and Kim. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Tom Connelly
July 24, 2007
My sympathy to the family, I will certainly miss him @ FBTAA.
I will miss our conversations that we had on Saturday mornings this year.God Bless
Tommy Warren
July 24, 2007
To Mr. Kraft and Family,
Mr. Kraft will always be remembered as a wonderful person and a good baseball man. Thank you for all of the time you spent with us helping us to be better baseball players and more importantly, better young men.
You will be missed by all who knew you.
Frank Sprague
July 24, 2007
Ann Marie and Family,
May comfort, peace and hope come to you with memories of a brave and spirited husband, father and grandfather.
Frank Sprague Family
mike coyne
July 24, 2007
Dear Veronica and family,
Although it has been many years,I still remember the good times we
had at St.John's and St.Marys.
condolences to all.
Mike Coyne
Kenny Bitler
July 24, 2007
My sympathy to the Kraft family.Pete was one of a kind who will surely be missed by all.He is in Gods hands now until the day comes when we join him for the big game in paradise.
John and Diane Flynn
July 23, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to the family .Your future will be full of great memories.
Debbie Wright ( Siegfried )
July 23, 2007
Dear Ann Marie and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Pete's passing away. Pete was a great man and a great baseball coach for Keith at FBTAA. Our sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Debbie and Dan
Bob Ryan
July 23, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with Pete's family.I appreciate the time he provided to District 20 baseball.
Bob Ryan Lehigh Little League
Heather, Matt, Alex, and Cameron
July 23, 2007
So sorry for your loss. We are all at a loss. Please remember that Pete will be in all of our hearts at FBTAA forever!
Richard Heffernan
July 23, 2007
Ann Maire and Family Was very shocked to see that pete passed away.I didnot know he was sick. My deepest sympathy to you and the family. Willkeep you and the family in my prayers.love
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