Harry E. "Chick" Cratty

1945 - 2025

Harry E. "Chick" Cratty, 79, of Emlenton, Allegheny Township, Butler County - a man of infinite warmth, humor and talent - passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, Jan. 12, 2025, at Butler Memorial Hospital surrounded by family.
Harry was born in Foxburg, where he was raised, on July 26, 1945. He was the son of the late Harry C. "Whitey" and Dora Virginia Cope Cratty.
Chick was a proud graduate of the A-C Valley School District at the high school in Emlenton, where he played basketball, and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics.
A proud naval veteran who served during the Vietnam War, his time in the Navy brought him not only great pride but also the love of his life, Emma, whom he met while stationed in the Philippines. Together, they built a life of love, laughter and adventure, purchasing their beloved farm in Six Points - a place where their hearts truly found home. Chick and Emma worked tirelessly on their farm, and it became a haven where they could enjoy the land they so deeply cherished.
His career took many different avenues over the years. He was the proud owner of the local Texaco before reenlisting in the U.S. Navy. As a skilled airplane mechanic, Chick then spent much of his career at US Airways, ensuring the skies were safe for countless travelers. He retired from there and went on to finish his career at General Electric of Grove City. While enjoying his retirement, he owned and operated Cratty Auto Shop for several years.
Chick was a man who enjoyed celebrating with family and friends. His back field was the site of many legendary gatherings, where friends and family came together to enjoy Chick's expertly roasted pigs, his laughter and the joy of community. On sunny Pennsylvania days, he could often be found riding his motorcycle, reveling in the beauty of the countryside he loved so dearly. For many years, he and his loving wife spent their winters in Florida enjoying time with friends and family.
Known for his boundless ingenuity, Chick had an unmatched talent for fixing things. He often tested the limits of his machines until he ultimately ended up needing to repair them again and again. His love for tinkering was matched only by his love for the people in his life - especially his "princesses" and his grandson, who filled his heart with pride and joy. Whether taking loved ones on fishing trips aboard his boat or sharing stories around a fire, Chick lived for creating memories with those he held dear.
He is survived by his sons, Shawn Cratty and his wife, Christie, of Haslet, Texas, and Shane Cratty and his wife, Rachele, of Emlenton; his loving sister, Joyce Chambers, and her husband, Jack, of Parker; his beloved grandchildren, Meghan Dreher, Austin Cratty, Sophia Kennedy and Morgan Parker; and great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Dawson Dreher, all of whom will carry forward his legacy of love, kindness and humor. Also surviving are a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
In addition to his parents, Chick was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Emma, who greeted him at the gates of Heaven after four long years. He also was preceded in death by his siblings, Clarence, Thomas, Russell, Larry and Judy.
Chick's life was a testament to hard work, a deep love for family, and the joy of living each day with purpose and passion. Though he has left this world, his spirit lives on in the laughter, stories and memories of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rest well, Chick. May your fields remain green, the roads open and the waters calm. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy of love and laughter will live on forever.
CRATTY - Private funeral arrangements for Harry E. "Chick" Cratty, who died Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, are under the direction of HILE FUNERAL HOME, Emlenton.
Interment will be next to his beloved wife in Allegheny Cemetery, Parker.
Memorial contributions in Harry's memory may be made to the Emlenton Fire Dept., P.O. Box 371, Emlenton, PA 16373, or the Emlenton Area Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 346, Emlenton, PA 16373.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.