WORCESTER__John J. Kraska, 85, of Worcester, died peacefully at home on Monday, November 2, 2009 after a long illness.
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 at 4:30 p.m. during calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Schools, 34 Ward St., Worcester, MA 01610.