David J. Krahe

1932 - 2021

OLEAN - David J. Krahe, of 123 S. Ninth St., Olean, passed away Thursday (Feb. 25, 2021) at the Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, in Olean.

Born Feb. 7, 1932, in Erie, Pa., he was the son of Adam and Mary Morgenstern Krahe.

David, the youngest of 13 children, attended St. Joseph's School, and graduated from Academy High School in 1949, in Erie.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stateside. After his military service, David went to St. Bonaventure University, and graduated in 1959, with a bachelor degree in accounting.

At SBU, he was involved in many organizations: Bonavets (1, 2, 3, 4; Sec. 1, 2, Dir. 4); Third Order (1, 2, 3, 4; Class Officer (2, 3, 4, Sec., 2 Vice-Pres., 3, 4); Delta Sigma Chi (1, 2, 3, 4, Treas. 3, Pres. 4).

David and his new bride, Irene Skrzypczak married June 27, 1959, and moved to Olean shortly after college graduation.

He started his career at Dresser Clark Industries as division controller. He went to St. Francis Hospital as fiscal planning manager and on to be an insurance agent with NY Life. He was an accountant at F.H. Oakleaf's, and finished his career as accountant/payroll supervisor, at McGraw Edison/Cooper Power. He retired in 1994.

David volunteered with many organizations in his new hometown of Olean, including Olean Chapter of St. Bonaventure Alumni Association; United Way of Cattaraugus County, member, president and chairman, campaign; Catholic Charities, volunteer, appeal chairman; and National Association of Accountants, member, president.

He also assisted with timing and reporting for the races, during the popular Olean Corporate Cup, organized by the Olean YMCA.

He was publicity chair with his wife, for the Miss New York State Pageant, when it was held in Olean in the late 60s and early 70s. They also were the organizers for the first four block parties held on South Ninth Street, with more than 120-150 people attending from the city block.

David was an active parishioner and volunteer at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and St. John's Church. The couple was also organizers of the first Spring Festival held at Gargoyle Park for St. Mary's.

After retirement, David's voluntary involvement didn't stop. He was an American Red Cross volunteer with over 10 years of service. His main focus was the Armed Forces Emergency Services and Disaster Action Team.

He received certificates of appreciation for service during disasters, 1998-03 NYS winter storms; 1998-06 Western New York floods; 1999-09 Hurricane Floyd; Sept. 11, 2001 in New York City; 2003-09 Hurricane Isabel; and the 2004 hurricane season.

David volunteered with the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce for almost every one of their 10 major events, from Chamber Clambake, Home Show and even Santa Claus Lane.

He received their 1999 Good News Award and was recognized as their 2005 Volunteer of the Year. David also received the Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award in 1997 and the Salute to Olean Award in 2003.

Dave and Irene were avid square dancers and participated in many other couple organizations. He was extremely proud of taking home the fourth place trophy, with his four brothers, in the "Five Brothers Bowling Team Tournament" held in Erie in 1962, from the 133 team field. The trophy was actually the tin beer mug that David was noted for, by taking it to the many dinners and events he attended, and he never left home without it.

David was known for his contagious smile and kind nature. He had an incredible sense of timing when telling stories or jokes, and he brought many laughs to all. David will have an eternal thumbs up as he also gave that hand symbol to friends and family.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Pamela) Krahe, Mary (Scott) Krahe Shreve, Meme (Tom) Krahe Yanetsko and Marcy Krahe Tyler; his grandchildren, Megan (Ashe), Jeffrey (Shannon), Ashley (David), Kelsey, Eric (Taylor), Ben (Kailey), Alex, Ellie, Audrey, Tommy (Naomi), Joshua (Vanessa), Melanie (Tony), Mackenzie (Matthew), Katie (Derrick), Jacob and Kayla; a great-grandchild, Lukas Matthew Krahe; a daughter-in-law, Brenda Krahe; and a son-in-law, David Peace.

David was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Irene Skrzypczak Krahe, on Jan. 11, 2021; his children, Matthew Krahe, Michele Krahe Peace and Mark Krahe; four sisters, Anna Krahe, Helen Cerne, Margaret Archer and Dorothy Collier; and eight brothers, Fr. Gordon Krahe, OFM; Henry Krahe, Paul Krahe, Richard Krahe, Raymond Krahe, Edward Krahe, Robert Krahe and James Krahe.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday (March 5, 2021) at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday (March 6, 2021) at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, Olean, with live streaming on their website at www.smaolean.org. Rev. Patrick Melfi will be the celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.

Celebration of life for David is scheduled shortly after at the Village Green Pub, 311 N. Union St., Olean.

Memorials if desired, may be made to the Michele Krahe Peace Scholarship, 301 N. Union St., Olean, NY 14760.

Online condolences can be expressed at guentherfh.com.