Thomas H. Kraft
Thomas H. Kraft, 71 of Meriden, died unexpectedly on Sunday Dec.16, 2012 at Hartford Hospital. Born in New Haven, CT on June 22, 1941 he was the son of the late Daniel Kraft and Bertha Kroeber. He graduated from Maloney High School in 1959, where he played baseball and football. He also played football as a youth on the Meriden Raiders and played little league baseball. Tom joined the U.S. Navy after graduation and was proud to say he was a Vietnam Era veteran. After his discharge from the Navy he worked as a printer for many years. Later he worked as a school bus driver and currently he was a crossing guard for the Meriden Police Dept. Through out his life Tom was very active in sports, he coached youth soccer in Southington and he coached the American Legion Post 45 and Post 72. He was a lifetime Boston Red Sox and a NY Giants fan. He enjoyed listening to music, as an adult he became an avid reader. He was a member of the Police Benevolent Assoc., the Meriden Sports Reunion committee, Meriden Senior Center, a volunteer at the Meriden soup kitchen. and was the Vice President of the executive board of the Meriden School Crossing Guards Local 3886. Tom is survied by his sister Nancy Kraft of East Hampton, and his fiance Paula Bernstein-Eisner of Meriden. a son Michael Kraft and his wife Heidi, of Ditzingen, Germany, two daughters Elizabeth Bushra and her husband Joseph and children of Wynnewood, PA, and Jessica Best and her husband Steve and children of Apex, NC. He is also survived by his fiance's family, Brenda Mignacco and children of Newburgh, NY, Martin and Suzana Eisner and children of Middlefield, Benjamin and Beth Eisner and children of Bristol. He also leaves his step sisters Phyllis and Paul Poulin and family of Meriden , Judy and Fred Augur and family of McGraw, NY , Marian Anderson and family of Lunenburg, MA , and a step brother John Dickinson and family of Tequesta, FLA. Tom was predeceased by a step brother Thomas Brown. A memorial service will be held on Friday December 28, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Meriden, 460 Broad St., Meriden, CT. Arrangements are under the direction of Beecher and Bennett Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Av, Meriden, CT 06451. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Meriden Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 2138, Meriden, CT 06450.
Maryellen, Beth, Mike and Jessica…sorry to here about your dad,Tom. As a young boy I remember multiple picnics & visits to your house in Southington,our moms shared a special friendship! As of lately, I’d see your father watching masa softball games year in and year out,always striking up a quick conversation with him & crossing children for Washington Middle School. We’re keeping you guys in our thoughts…Jeff,Heather and our children Jeffrey,Owen and Sophia
I knew Tommy way back in high school and ran into him frequently over the years. As I read his obituary I was not aware of all the activities he was involved in. He was an amazing guy. He touched many lives and had many friends in all walks of life. When we talked about the old days, mostly about athletics, he often remembered games, who won and what the score was. He will be missed by many. My condolences to the family.
My condolences to Tom’s friends and family. He was truly a pleasure: a fun and kind-hearted man. He will be missed by many.
Tom was a good friend of mine I worked with him in 2009 with the New Britain Rock cats he was an amazing person and he also took me to my first Yale Football game at the Yale Bowl and i will never forget him for that I will miss you forever Tommy Thanks!!