John L. Kraus

John Lewis Kraus, of New Britain, died on July 5, 2022, at the age of 97. Born in New Britain on June 20, 1925, he was the son of the late John F. and Olga (Schultz) Kraus. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Arline Basile and Myrtle Cahill.

He leaves behind his devoted friend, Audrey Malkemus, her niece, Christine Silkowitz and her husband Peter, and her three nephews, David Januszewski and his wife Kim, Paul Januszewski and his husband Marujo Bastos, and Thomas Januszewski and his wife Agathe. He is also survived by his niece, Laurie Weiland and her husband Gerald, and four nephews, Jimmy Basile and his wife Virginia, Barry Basile and his wife Mary, Glenn Basile, and Michael Cahill and his wife, Sandra.

After attending school in New Britain, John joined the Navy at the age of 16 during World War II. He proudly served in the United States Navy Armed Guard for four years on Liberty Ship convoys delivering supplies to Allied forces.

After WWII, he returned to New Britain and served in the New Britain Fire Department for 39 years, retiring as a Lieutenant.

In the late 1960s, John purchased property in Charlestown, RI, one of his favorite fishing and SCUBA diving spots. He ultimately built six cottages there, completing most of the construction himself. These cottages provided decades of happy memories for his family and many New Britain friends who would visit. Following his retirement, he spent summers in Charlestown, leading an always-active life. He loved golfing, fishing, clamming, playing setback and cribbage, fixing anything in need of repair, and enjoying a Manhattan at Happy Hour with family and friends. His dry sense of humor kept everyone laughing, without ever needing to tell a joke.

He spent winters at his home in Lady Lake, Florida, where he was an avid golfer into his 90s, shooting six holes-in-one.

John’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Arbor Rose and Jerome home for their kindness and care.

At his request, there were no calling hours or funeral service.  Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John will always be remembered as a generous, kind, caring, and gentle man, and will be deeply missed.