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John Kraska Obituary
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Regina M. (Golas) Kraska; his son, John J. Kraska, Jr. and his fiancée, Linda A. Hackenson; his daughter, Jane M. Kerins and her husband, Timothy of Sutton; five grandchildren, John J. Kraska, III of Brooklyn, NY, Thaddeus J. Kraska and his wife, Julie of Chesterfield, VA; Kathleen M. Kerins, Kristin R. Kerins and Annie K. Kerins, all of Worcester; two great grandsons Matthew and Carter of Chesterfield, VA; a brother, Walter Kraska of Swansea; two sisters, Jennie Forczyk and Stella Jennings, both of Fall River, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by five sisters, Victoria Furman, Ann Walsh, Mary, Helen and Lillian Kraska.
He was born in Fall River, on November 11, 1923 to the late Martin and Tekla (Gnyp) Kraska. Mr. Kraska founded Kraska Auto Parts in Worcester in 1954 and Jaxon Corporation in 1976, retiring from both businesses two years ago. He graduated from Durfee Memorial High School in Fall River. He served our country in the United States Navy aboard the troop transport USS Adair in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
John was extremely proud of his Polish heritage and supported many organizations. He served as President of the former Worcester Automotive Jobbers Association and Webster Square Lions Club. He also served as Treasurer of the St. Mary's Boosters, Sr. Vice Commander of the Polish American Veterans of World War II and President of the Quo Vadis Club of Worcester, where he was honored as "Man of the Year" in 2000. John enjoyed Cape Cod and traveling to his other home in Plymouth. His hobbies were his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren and his businesses.
The funeral will be held Monday, November 9, from HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward St. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home will be on Sunday, November 8, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Polish American Veterans of World War II will gather to perform their ritual on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Schools, 34 Ward St., Worcester, MA 01610.
www.worcesterfuneral.com
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Memories and Condolences
for John Kraska
Charlie Kerbel
November 12, 2009
Sorry to hear about Mr. Kraska.I always will remember him for giving me my first job and teach me a good work ethic.
fred koza
November 11, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
November 10, 2009
Very sorry for your lost i'm a employee from linders steve vitale d-shop
Steve Furman
November 9, 2009
I was deeply saddened to hear of uncle John's passing. He, aunt Reggie, John Jr.,and Jane were some of my favorite people while growing up.
People pass......memories do not !!!!
I regret I'm unable to pay my respects in person this morning. Health issues have me sort of house bound.
However, my spirit and thoughts are with you.
Love,
Steve Furman
November 8, 2009
Auntie Reggie,Young John,and Jane
I rember all the times we would have a sunday dinner over at the house.We all watched football and listened to polkas in the front room with him in his chair with a cigar in his mouth. I have fond memories of it all thanks.
Love Bob Golas
Jim Errara
November 8, 2009
John jr. and family
I'm sorry for your loss.I worked for your dad and you almost 30 years ago.(as a driver then)it was my first job in the automotive parts business.and im still doing it today at Millbury Ford. your dad was a very nice guy.
November 8, 2009
To John and Family:
Sorry to hear about your father.
We will be unable to attend the service,as we are still in Florida, but your father will be rememberd in our prayers.
Jan and Dick Lakus
Janice (Baniukiewicz) Stickles
November 8, 2009
Dear John & Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My dad often bailed me, and whatever car I was driving, out of trouble after a quick, friendly visit to Kraska Auto Parts. Please know we are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.
Janice (Baniukiewicz) & Dean Stickles
Gary Howell
November 7, 2009
To John and Family:
I was sorry to see your Dad passed away, I have dealt with you and your Dad, for many years, from my days at Billings Auto Supply, to West Springfield Auto Parts, I am now at NAPA in Shrewsbury.
Sincerely, Gary E Howell
November 7, 2009
John and family,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. As hard as this is for you all know that he's in a far better place and at peace.
Always,
Stephanie & Bob
Paradise
November 6, 2009
To the Kraska family,
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy for your loss. Many years ago I met Mr. Kraska when I was a bank teller in Worcester. He was always very nice to me and , while sadly it has been some time since I have seen him, he will truly be missed. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Cathy Esposito
Debbie George
November 6, 2009
May the love of friends carry your family through this time of grief. It was great working for Sr. & Jr. I learned more about cars & trucks than I ever thought I could. Thanks for that experience.
November 6, 2009
Aunt Reggie,John & Jane,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember Uncle John's blue eyes and being so friendly to me when I first met him years ago and welcoming me into the Kraska family.
Sincere sympathy,
Nickie Walsh
November 6, 2009
Sincere condolences to the entire Kraska family. I remember fondly Mr. Kraska's love of hand-packed Friendly's ice cream, of cigars (which he seldom if ever lit), and his very dry sense of humor. I am sure he is now enjoying his eternal reward for his many years of dedication to his family.
Dick and Marcia Rojcewicz
Pittsburgh, Penna.
cynthia kosciuczyk skarlatos gaddes
November 5, 2009
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing away. He was such a figure in my life and the many celebrations my mom and dad celebrated for so many years.I most remember his love of ponchki and how he helped St Mary's so much, he will be missed and well remembered.
November 5, 2009
John Jr. and Family,
I am very sorry to hear of your dads passing. He will be missed by many.
Mary E (George) Kelly, Kuna, Idaho
Paul Gaboury
November 5, 2009
John & family
I am very sorry to hear of your dads passing. I have great memories of Saturday mornings when my dad used to bring me to the store for parts and joking with you and your dad. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do.
Clayton Gleason
November 5, 2009
I'm sorry for your loss.John was a Good Man.
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